# Zopyros — Histories character guide

> Zopyros in Histories by Herodotus.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0004-book-iii-thaleia

## Snapshot

A Persian noble who cuts off his own nose and ears to desert convincingly into Babylon and open its gates for Darius.

## Who they are

When Darius's siege of Babylon drags on with no end in sight, Zopyros offers the one stratagem no one else will: to maim himself so badly that the Babylonians will believe he is a defector with a genuine grudge. His willingness to mutilate his own body for his king's advantage makes him the extreme case of loyalty in the Histories, a man who treats his flesh as a tool of war. His sacrifice gives the Persian narrative one of its most unforgettable episodes and shows how far ambition and devotion can push a man.

## Relationships

### [Darius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/darius)

_friendship_

Zopyros is a loyal Persian noble who mutilates himself to help Darius capture Babylon, earning great trust.

### [Darius](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/darius)

_friendship_

Zopyros is a loyal Persian noble who mutilates himself to help Darius capture Babylon, earning great trust.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters/zopyros
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/histories_se/characters