Histories · Question
How does Histories develop the theme of Deception and Cunning?
Answer
Histories by Herodotus develops Deception and Cunning across the chapters the companion marks for this theme.
Trickery, bribery, and strategic deceit are recurring tools used by both individuals and states to achieve goals, such as Themistocles bribing commanders or the Scythians using whips to subdue rebellious slaves.
Croesus advises Cyrus to use a deceptive feast to lure the Massagetae into a trap, highlighting the role of stratagem in warfare.
Demokedes uses cunning to escape Persian custody, and Syloson's gift of the mantle is a strategic act that later yields political favor.
The Scythians use strategic retreat, cryptic gifts, and psychological warfare; the Ionians feign cooperation with the Scythians while secretly preserving the bridge.
Evidence in the book
- Book I: Clio
Croesus advises Cyrus to use a deceptive feast to lure the Massagetae into a trap, highlighting the role of stratagem in warfare.
- Book III: Thaleia
Demokedes uses cunning to escape Persian custody, and Syloson's gift of the mantle is a strategic act that later yields political favor.
- Book IV: Melpomene
The Scythians use strategic retreat, cryptic gifts, and psychological warfare; the Ionians feign cooperation with the Scythians while secretly preserving the bridge.
- Book V: Terpsichore
Histiaios deceives Xerxes with promises of conquering Sardinia to secure his release and return to Ionia.
- Book VI: Erato
Histiaios attempts to save his life by revealing his identity in Persian, hoping for clemency from Darius, but is thwarted by Artaphrenes.
- Book VIII: Urania
Artemisia's ruse of ramming a Calyndian ship to escape an Athenian pursuer exemplifies cunning deception, as she misleads both the Athenians and Xerxes.
