The Iliad · Character

Diomedes

A young Greek champion whose spear fells Trojans by the dozen and whose daring even draws the blood of gods.

supporting

Also known as Tydides, brave Tydides, valiant Diomed, Diomed

First appearance: the iliad

As a supporting figure in The Iliad, Diomedes is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Present among the elder princes at the sacrifice.

In the storyBook II: The Trial of the Army, and Catalogue of the ForcesOpen this moment free

See Diomedes in Book II: The Trial of the Army, and Catalogue of the Forces Book page

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Diomedes fights with a ferocity that makes seasoned kings take notice, cutting down named warriors in the surge while others merely hold ground. He rescues the stranded Nestor, trades chariots mid-battle, and shows a…

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The fuller portrait of Diomedes sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Diomedes in the iliad

Character Web

46 connections

A slice of how Diomedes sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

Relationship types

Friendship
Other

Character groups

Major Greek and Trojan Figures
Secondary Trojan and Greek Warriors

+41 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

This is the dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Jupiter’s wrath, as he…

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Relationships

Odysseus
friendship · positive
Diomedes and Odysseus are comrades who undertake dangerous missions together, such as the… How this plays out →
Hector
rivalry · negative
Odysseus
friendship · positive
Diomedes and Odysseus are comrades who undertake dangerous missions together, such as the… How this plays out →
Odysseus
friendship · positive
Diomedes and Odysseus are comrades who undertake dangerous missions together, such as the… How this plays out →
Hector
rivalry · negative

Odysseus
Diomedes and Odysseus are comrades who undertake dangerous missions together, such as the night raid.
Hector
Diomedes and Hector are enemy warriors who fight each other in the thick of battle.
Odysseus
Diomedes and Odysseus are comrades who undertake dangerous missions together, such as the night raid.
Odysseus
Diomedes and Odysseus are comrades who undertake dangerous missions together, such as the night raid.
Hector
Diomedes and Hector are enemy warriors who fight each other in the thick of battle.

Relationship notes

How these ties play out is in the reading companion — open the free preview.

See Diomedes in the iliad

In the story

Diomedes appears across 9 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book II: The Trial of the Army, and Catalogue of the Forces
Present among the elder princes at the sacrifice.
Book V: The Exploits of Diomed
The central hero of the book, empowered by Athena to fight with divine strength and courage, wounds Aeneas and Aphrodite.
Book VI: Interviews Between Glaucus and Diomed, and Hector and Andromache
Diomed continues his rampage, slaying Axylus and others; he then encounters Glaucus and, after learning their familial bond, exchanges armor with him.
Book VIII: The Second Battle
Fights bravely, kills Agelaus, and struggles with the decision to face Hector, restrained by Zeus's thunder.
Book IX: The Embassy to Achilles
Boldly opposes Agamemnon's plan to retreat, insisting the Greeks will fight on until Troy falls.
Book X: The Night-Adventure of Diomed and Ulysses
Diomed volunteers for the night mission, chooses Ulysses as his companion, and prays to Athena for aid before setting out.
Book XI: The Third Battle, and Exploits of Agamemnon
Fights valiantly alongside Ulysses, wounds Hector (though the spear is turned by Apollo's gift), slays Thymbraeus and others, but is wounded in the foot by Paris.
Book XIV: The Fraud Practised on Jupiter by Juno
Advises the wounded kings to join the battle and encourage the army, despite their injuries.
Book XXIII: The Funeral of Patroclus
Encourages Euryalus in the boxing match and competes in the chariot race.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Diomedes unlock in the free preview.

See Diomedes in the iliad

See Diomedes in Book II: The Trial of the Army, and Catalogue of the Forces