Damocles etymology

Etymology and Origin:

  • Greek: Δαμόκλεις (Damokleēs)

Meaning:

Name: * "Damocles" means "renowned people."

Sword of Damocles: * The phrase "Sword of Damocles" refers to a constant threat or danger that hangs over someone's head.

Mythological Origins:

According to the legend:

  • Damocles was a flatterer in the court of the tyrant Dionysius II of Syracuse (4th century BC).
  • To show Damocles the dangers of being a ruler, Dionysius invited him to a banquet.
  • Damocles sat on a luxurious throne, with all the trappings of power.
  • However, above him hung a sharp sword suspended by a single hair.

The sword represented the constant threat of overthrow and assassination that Dionysius faced. The legend teaches that even those in power cannot escape the fear of danger.

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