Myrmidon (Greek)

The Myrmidons (Greek: Μυρμιδόνες Myrmidones) were a people native to the region of Thessaly. During the Trojan War, they were commanded by Achilles, as described in Homer's Iliad. According to Greek legend, they were created by Zeus from a colony of ants and therefore took their name from the Greek word for ant, myrmex (Greek: μύρμηξ).

The Myrmidons of Greek myth were known for their skill in battle and loyalty to their leaders. In pre-industrial Europe the word myrmidon carried many of the same connotations that minion does today. Myrmidon later came to mean "hired ruffian" (according to the Oxford English Dictionary) or "loyal follower, especially one who executes orders without question, protest, or pity – unquestioning followers" (Dictionary.com).

According to Greek legend, the Myrmidons left their native island of Aigina and moved to Thessalia.[2] From there Achilles led the Myrmidons to battle in the Trojan War as an ally of the Achaeans.[3] Homer's Iliad gives an account of a portion of the Trojan War, with a focus on the role of Achilles. When King Agamemnon of the Achaeans disrespects Achilles, he abandons the Greek forces and takes his army of Myrmidons with him. The Achaeans begin to suffer tremendous losses, and Patroclus pleads to Achilles to rejoin the battle. Achilles refuses to fight, still bitter about the wrongs committed against him, but he allows Patroclus to borrow his armor and his army of Myrmidons. Patroclus commands the Myrmidons in battle, they push the Trojan forces back. Patroclus, however, is killed by Hector in battle, and Achilles, wild with grief, rejoins the Trojan War to seek revenge.

Hesiod's Catalogue of Women gives a similar myth of the origin of the Myrmidons. In Hesiod's version, Aiakos, the son of Zeus and the nymph Aigina, grows up on the island of Aigina all alone. Aiakos prays to Zeus for company, and as Ovid retained in Metamorphoses, Zeus changes ants into men and women for his son to rule over.