Diomedes
Diomedes was the youngest of all the Greek kings in the Iliad.
Though only about twenty years old, he was widely regarded as one of the most experienced.
His battles against Thebes and Calydon had marked him out as a skilled military leader and strong fighter.
Diomedes was marked out by the gods, as well. He was given a cuirass made by Hephaestus, the only general besides Achilles to receive such a gift.
Besides this great cuirass, Diomedes also stood out for his golden weapons and shield. His sword had belonged to his father and been blessed by Athena.
In most matters, Diomedes was second only to Achilles. The great hero was the strongest fighter the Greek army had, but Diomedes was always just behind him in skill and renown.
Thus, the young king is mentioned often in the Iliad as being a key member of Agamemnon’s war councils.
He was among the Spartan commander’s most trusted advisors and a key part of the Greek military leadership.
He and Odysseus were trusted by Agamemnon before the fleet even set sail for Troy.
They were among the few Greeks who knew of his plan to sacrifice his daughter, Iphigenia, to Artemis so that the Greek ships could set sail.
The king of Argos and the king of Ithaca were often together through the war, both in battle and off the field.
When Odysseus murdered Palamedes, the officer who had forced him into the war and away from his family, Diomedes was either aware of the plan or an active accomplice.
Athena and Diomedes in the Trojan War
18th./19th.century
The French School.
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