035 Diomedes vs Glaucus (the fight that was not to be)

Today I look at this story that occurred in most famous war of them, the Trojan War. Ah yes the Trojan War, a war caused by the lust of Paris, prince of Troy and total loser. We all the know the story with the apple and the judgement of Paris and blah blah etc etc (even though none of this is shown in the Iliad) But here is a little tale that was written down in the translations of Homer's words, a story of two men: One Achaean (Greek) and the other an ally of Troy, who met, almost fought, but realized something intertwining both their families.

Let's see Achilles do that!

Diomedes is probably the most badass Greek hero/commander in the Iliad and was also the youngest (while also the most experienced), yes Ajax and Achilles are some tough competition, but Diomedes has done the following: survived the Trojan War, helped steal both the chariot of the Thracian King Rhesus, helped steal the Palladium, nearly killed Aeneas and Hector, saved Nestor when all the other Greek heroes fled from the battle, was the favorite warrior of Athena, and oh yeah wounded TWO GODS (including Ares who ran away like a little bitch) and tried to attack Apollo TWICE before he was warned to stop. So like I said Diomedes was one tough motherfucker, but this is not about his awesome deeds, but a little episode that happened between him and the Trojan ally Glaucus.

That's right I have the Goddess of War on my side, what do you got?

It is in Book VI of the Iliad that after Diomedes had been absolutely ravaging the battlefield, that many on the side of Troy feared him more than Achilles, who was just as angry, but was also a mopey teenager. The warrior Glaucus, a captain of the Lycian forces and cousin of their leader Sarpedon, decided to stand up and face the mighty warrior. Diomedes, who was impressed by the man's appearance and  bravery to the face the man who was slaughtering all that he faced. At first he took the man as a immortal in disguise and asked him such, but Glaucus shook his head and explained his family history.

Your grandfather was who now?

Glaucus explained that he was the grandson of the hero Bellerophon, the slayer of the chimera and the tamer of Pegasus, and because of this he would fight any man. Diomedes then took out his spear and planted it into the ground, for you see Diomedes' grandpa was Oeneus, who was a close friend to Bellerophon, and told Glaucus that despite the fact that they were technically enemies, he said that they should continue the friendship that existed between their respective grandfathers.

Want to trade hats?

To signal this renewed friendship, they decided to exchange gifts, but this is where things get interesting. Diomedes offered a bronze armor that was worth probably 8 oxen, but because Zeus got rid of Glaucus' sense and reason, he offered Diomedes golden armor that was worth 100 oxen! Taking this opportunity he accepted the armor and the two friends departed, promising to continue their friendship that was founded between their grandfathers.