Diomedes Heroic Traits

Diomedes: The Homeric Hero

The Iliad, an epic poem composed by Homer, showcases a variety of daring, heroic characters throughout the text. Many of the gallant Greek and Trojan warriors possess traits that define them as a hero, such as bravery and dexterity. One of the virtuous soldiers is Diomedes, a competent fighter on the Greeks’ side. Diomedes portrays the Homeric hero well because he exhibits valiant traits, such as loyalty, brilliance in battle, and stature.

First, though he received fewer war prizes and honor than Achilles and Agamemnon, Diomedes would always aid his fellow Greeks in battle and display a strong sense of devotion. Needing more information on his enemies, Nestor suggests sending a spy to gather intel on Trojan war tactics; while all the Greeks fall silent, “Diomedes lord of the war cry [speaks] up briskly” to volunteer and is accompanied by fellow warrior Odysseus. In their mission, the two men encounter Trojan spy Dolon and successfully interrogate him; they proceed to kill anyone involved with the Trojan cause. Because he is trustworthy and faithful, Nestor and the Greek soldiers can fully rely on Diomedes to retrieve useful intel. As a result, Diomedes is a Homeric hero because of his steadfast loyalty.

The Greek warrior, described as “a routing winder torrent sweeping away the dikes,” enters war zones with a fierce sense of determination. Although Trojan archer Pandarus successfully snipes him with an arrow, Diomedes does not surrender and continues to fight with a blessing from Athena. As a capable warrior, he swiftly defeats many Trojan soldiers; Diomedes’s accomplishments in war bring him a respectable reputation amongst the soldiers. Therefore, Diomedes can be considered a Homeric hero because of his honorable war