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View Full Version : Query, Achilles Quote?



Macilrille
02-25-2010, 13:58
From H-War:
From: "Rudnicki, Edward J Mr CIV USA AMC" <email deleted>
Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010 7:04:16 AM
Subject: Source of Achilles Quote?

I encountered a quote some years ago. This may not be the
best H-NET list to ask on, but it's the one I'm subscribed
to, and it does refer to the Trojan War.

"Achilles is without fear when he is armed."

Who said/wrote it, and when, and why?

I've searched myself without success. I'm guessing the
original is Roman/Latin, and I suspect I may have a bad
English rendering of it.

The quote in its original language would be appreciated it as
well. Thanks in advance,

Ed Rudnicki

Any hellenophiles?

fraoula
02-25-2010, 17:47
Tough one. I suppose it might be from the Iliad (well duh) given it mentions Achiles. Is there another part of this quote you remember? I remember something about Peleas being really brave when on the field mentioned in the Iliad, but that's just in greek. There are tons of small references to Achiles bravery from Homer though but I' ll try to narrow it down.

fraoula
02-25-2010, 20:14
Well I read some of the Iliad were Homer wrote about Achiles weapons, shield , armour etc. and the only one close to what you said is when Patroclos asks for Achiles armour, helmet and shield to lead the attack on the Trojans who have pinned the Argeans near their ships saying that his (Achiles) weapons will inspire fear to the Trojans when they see Patroclos charge, as they will mistake him for Achilees and will try to flee the shore and head back to the city.
Unfortunately this is not the quote you are looking for. If you could remember were you encountered this quote it would be really helpful.

Macilrille
02-26-2010, 11:20
It is not actually me, I am but trying to help somebody else on the Military History mailing List who was asking for the quote. As we have so many Hellenophiles here I thought I would forward the question. Thanks for the effort though.

Philippus Flavius Homovallumus
02-26-2010, 13:03
From H-War:
From: "Rudnicki, Edward J Mr CIV USA AMC" <email deleted>
Date: Thursday, February 25, 2010 7:04:16 AM
Subject: Source of Achilles Quote?

I encountered a quote some years ago. This may not be the
best H-NET list to ask on, but it's the one I'm subscribed
to, and it does refer to the Trojan War.

"Achilles is without fear when he is armed."

Who said/wrote it, and when, and why?

I've searched myself without success. I'm guessing the
original is Roman/Latin, and I suspect I may have a bad
English rendering of it.

The quote in its original language would be appreciated it as
well. Thanks in advance,

Ed Rudnicki

Any hellenophiles?

I honestly don't know, but if the formulation is anything close to the Greek, then it looks Iliadic.

cezarip
02-26-2010, 13:47
I honestly don't know, but if the formulation is anything close to the Greek, then it looks Iliadic.

I have heard it quite a lot in Latin:

"Sine timore Achilles armatus"

but I do not know it's source.