Story Summary
Experience the epic tale of Diomedes Wounds the Gods, where a mortal hero defies divinity on the battlefields of Troy with the aid of the goddess Athena.
In the heat of the Trojan War, the Greek hero Diomedes became an unstoppable force. The goddess Athena, favoring his courage, bestowed upon him a unique gift: she stripped the mortal mist from his eyes, allowing him to see the gods as they moved among men. With her blessing, he was told to avoid all immortals—except for Aphrodite. When Aphrodite entered the fray to rescue her son Aeneas, Diomedes did not hesitate. He lunged forward and grazed her wrist with his bronze spear. The goddess of love fled in tears to Olympus, her divine blood, or ichor, staining her robes. But the hero’s day was not finished. Ares, the god of war, soon began slaughtering Greeks with savage delight. Encouraged by Athena, who even mounted his chariot to steer his horses, Diomedes charged the terrifying deity. As Ares lunged, Athena deflected the blow, and Diomedes drove his spear deep into the god’s belly. Ares let out a roar like ten thousand men and fled the battlefield in a dark cloud. Though a mere mortal, Diomedes had done the unthinkable, proving that with divine favor, even the heavens could bleed.
The Moral
While divine favor can grant mortals incredible power, one must always recognize the boundaries between humanity and the eternal gods.
“I know you, goddess, daughter of Zeus, and I will not hide my heart from you.”
Fun Fact
In the Iliad, Diomedes is one of the few mortal characters who never suffers a major defeat or 'darkness over his eyes,' making him arguably the most successful hero in the poem.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of Diomedes Wounds the Gods?
The story teaches that while divine favor can grant mortals incredible power, they must remain humble and recognize the vast difference between humanity and the gods. Diomedes succeeds only because of Athena's guidance and specific permission to strike.
Which gods did Diomedes wound in the Trojan War?
Diomedes famously wounded both Aphrodite and Ares. He struck Aphrodite in the hand as she rescued Aeneas, and later, with Athena’s help, he drove a spear into the belly of the god of war, Ares.
Why was Diomedes able to see the gods?
The goddess Athena lifted the 'mist' from Diomedes' eyes, a supernatural gift that allowed him to distinguish between mortal men and immortal deities on the battlefield. Without this vision, a mortal could not safely challenge a god.
Did Diomedes kill a god?
No, the Greek gods are immortal and cannot be killed. While Diomedes caused them great pain and forced them to retreat from the battlefield to heal on Mount Olympus, their wounds were temporary.
How did Athena help Diomedes defeat Ares?
Athena acted as Diomedes' charioteer, taking the place of his driver. She wore the helm of Hades to remain invisible to Ares, then guided Diomedes’ spear to ensure it pierced the war god's armor and flesh.
Who is Diomedes in Greek mythology?
Diomedes was the King of Argos and one of the most powerful Achaean heroes in the Trojan War. He is often ranked second only to Achilles in martial prowess and is known for his wisdom and bravery.
