Irlandos at 11:19, August 23, 2006

2006-08-23T11:19:57Z

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In [[Greek mythology]], '''Phobos''' ("Fear") was the personification of fear and horror. He was the son of [[Ares]] and [[Aphrodite]]. He, his brother [[Deimos]], and the goddess [[Enyo]] accompanied Ares into battle, along with his father's attendants, Trembling and Panic. His Roman equivalent was Timor.

Asaph Hall, who discovered the moons of Mars, named one Phobos.

:''In the centre [of the Shield of Herakles] was Phobos (Fear) worked in adamant, unspeakable, staring backwards with eyes that glowed with fire. His mouth was full of teeth in a white row, fearful and daunting, and upon his grim brow hovered frightful [[Eris]] (Strife) who arrays the throng of men ...''

:''Upon the shield Proioxis (Pursuit) and Palioxis (Flight) were wrought, and Homados (Tumult), and Phobos (Panic), and Androktasie (Slaughter). Eris (Strife) also, and Kydoimos (Uproar) were hurrying about, and deadly Ker (Fate).''
::–Shield of Heracles 139f

[[Plutarch]] reports that [[Alexander the Great]] offered sacrifices to the god Phobos on the eve of the [[Battle of Gaugamela]]. Mary Renault believes this was part of Alexander's psychological warfare campaign against [[Darius III]], who had proven himself to be indeed most timorous: At their previous encounter in the [[Battle of Issus]], Darius had fled with such haste that he left behind his mother, his wife, his children, and many treasures. From the field of Gaugamela also, Darius fled with great speed. Alexander's tactic of praying to Phobos (presumably asking him to fill Darius with fear) would seem to have been successful.

{{Credit wikipedia}}

[[Category: Greek gods]]

Phobos - Revision history

Irlandos at 11:19, August 23, 2006