Diomedes
The king of Argos who fought at Troy with such ferocity that he wounded both Aphrodite and Ares — becoming one of the only mortals to injure gods.
The Legend of Diomedes
Diomedes was the king of Argos and the youngest of the Greek commanders at Troy, yet in combat he was second only to Achilles. His aristeia in Iliad Book 5 is the most extraordinary battlefield performance in the epic: with Athena's divine aid, he rampaged across the Trojan lines, killing champions including Pandaros. When Aphrodite intervened to save her son Aeneas, Diomedes charged the goddess herself, wounding her hand with his spear — she fled to Olympus weeping, and Zeus told her to stay away from battle. Undeterred, Diomedes then attacked Ares, the god of war himself, again with Athena's guidance, driving his spear into the god's belly. Ares roared with the voice of ten thousand warriors and retreated to Olympus. Diomedes also participated in the night raid (Doloneia), captured the horses of Rhesus, and volunteered for every dangerous mission. Unlike most Greek heroes, he returned home safely and ruled Argos in peace.
Explore Further
Diomedes
🗡 heroKing of Argos who wounded gods
Diomedes was the only mortal in the Iliad to wound two Olympian gods in a single day.
Sarpédon
🗡 heroSon of Zeus who died at Troy
Sarpedon was a son of Zeus and the greatest Lycian warrior at Troy — his death forced Zeus to confront the limits of even divine power.
Ajax
🗡 heroThe immovable warrior who held the Greek line
The massive warrior from Salamis who carried a shield like a tower wall and held the Greek line when every other defender broke.
Heracles
🗡 heroGreatest of all Greek heroes
The son of Zeus and Alcmene who performed twelve impossible labours and was the only hero to achieve full godhood after death.
Abas
🗡 heroKingship, warfare
King of Argos renowned as a fierce warrior whose very shield could terrify enemies
Neleus
🗡 herokingship
Son of Poseidon and Tyro, founder of Pylos, father of Nestor, killed by Heracles for refusing purification.
Bellerophon
🗡 heroThe hero who tamed Pegasus
The Corinthian hero who tamed the winged horse Pegasus and slew the Chimera, but fell from heaven when he tried to reach Olympus.
Tlepolemos
🗡 heroRhodian leadership, Heracles heritage
Son of Heracles who led the Rhodian contingent at Troy and was killed by Sarpedon
Idomeneus
🗡 heroKing of Crete at Troy
Idomeneus was the king of Crete who led eighty ships to Troy and was among the fiercest fighters — his story continued in a vow that cost him his son.
Antilochus
🗡 herowar
Son of Nestor, youngest Greek commander at Troy, beloved companion of Achilles who died protecting his father.
Heracles
🗡 heroGreatest of the Greek heroes, demigod of strength
The greatest hero of Greek mythology, son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene. Famous for his extraordinary strength and his Twelve Labors.
Hippomedon
🗡 heroNone recorded
One of the Seven against Thebes, a towering warrior known for his ferocity in battle