Entity: DAMOCLES
Damocles refers to a courtier of ancient Syracuse who was seated at a banquet beneath a sword hung by a single hair, symbolizing imminent danger or peril.
Damocles
Etymology
The name Damocles originates from a flattering courtier of Dionysius I, tyrant of Syracuse. In Greek, his name means 'fame of the people,' derived from 'dēmos' and 'damon' meaning 'people' and 'fame' respectively.
Definition
Damocles is a symbolic figure representing the constant threat of danger or impending disaster that hangs over someone's head, often used to illustrate the precarious nature of power or happiness.
Historical Context
Damocles is famously known for the anecdote where he was seated at a banquet beneath a sword suspended by a single hair, highlighting the vulnerability and uncertainty that accompany positions of power.
Cultural Significance
The story of Damocles has been widely referenced in literature, art, and popular culture as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ambition and the transient nature of success.
Related Concepts
The concept of the 'sword of Damocles' is often used metaphorically to describe any imminent or looming threat that poses a constant risk to an individual or society.
See Also
Damocles is a symbolic figure representing the constant threat of danger or impending disaster that hangs over someone's head, often used to illustrate the precarious nature of power or happiness.