If You'll Be My Bodyguard: Simonides the Mercenary in Xenophon's Hieron

• Autores: Michel H. Parks
• Localización: Classical journal, ISSN 0009-8353, Vol. 113, Nº 4, 2018, págs. 385-410
• Idioma: inglés
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• Dialnet Métricas: 2 Citas
• Resumen

  • All of Xenophon’s works contemplate the nature of leadership, but the Hieron is unique in how rigorously it engages with the problem of the leader’s self-interest. Hieron dwells on his personal finances and mistrust in the loyalty of others, which spoil his security and happiness. These problems are exemplified and exacerbated by his reliance on a mercenary bodyguard. Xenophon’s choice of Simonides as Hieron’s interlocutor can be explained through Simonides’ reputation for self-interest, parallel to that of the bodyguard and of Hieron himself. Simonides’ traditional characterization as one who combined avarice with wisdom renders him a sympathetic and useful advisor.