The Sword of Damocles Source: Greek Legend Literal Comprehension:

The Sword of Damocles      

Source: Greek Legend

Literal Comprehension:

The ancient tale "The Sword of Damocles" is based on Greek legend. It is about the time of the  king Dionysius of Sicily in the 4^th century BC. Dionysius was a tyrannical king. He was well hated for his harsh treatment against his subjects. As he was aware that the people might revenge upon him, he securely guarded himself.  He enjoyed company of intellectual society. He had a number of flatter who gained favor of him through constant administration. Damocles was most foolish courtier who praised the king Dionysius for his happiness and diving gift. He used to flatters the king saying that he was the most admirable, mighty and wise king who lived a glorious and marvelous life.

But Dionysius wasn't a weak, and he was a brainy king. He was not pleased with flattery. He was sick with the flattery of Damocles. He decided to teach him a wise lesson that he would never forget. One day the king proposed Damocles that he would give him taste f happiness of sitting upon the throne. He would declare him to be the king through out the feasts. The next day in the company of princes and lords, the end of feasts he would have to resign. Damocles accepted the proposal with much hesitation. At this time of banquet, the king asked Damocles who was dressed in Royal dresses (robes uniform) to ascend to the throne and a golden crown was placed upon his head. The heaviness of the crown made his head ached (due to heaviness of head is pain) he felt irritating to wait for the dishes. At first he was delighted at his on unusual position. But suddenly he received a most terrible shock. He saw a sharp naked sword suspended from the roof by the single hair exactly over his head. Thinking that the sword might fall, Damocles filled with terror and requested the king to permit him to take a lower seat. He realized how foolish it is to see the happiness of a king and others placed in high position. The wretched Damocles was paralyzed with fear. He was gazing at the sword hanging above him.

Damocles asked the king to release him from his terrible position. But, the king Dionysius refused his request and commanded the guards to prevent him from moving so that he might suffer to the full pangs of terror as a punishment to his foolish talk. After the banquet was over, Damocles returned to the previous path of security and learnt the lesson that the boundless wealth doesn't necessarily bring happiness and satisfaction, and he must always be free from the vain words of foolish flatters.

Interpretation:

According to this ancient tale "The Sword of Damocles" mere the boundless wealth cannot bring happiness and satisfaction. Glory is not so easy how we observe as an out-stander. Despite the fact that a high position has its glory and honor, it has also its dangers. Power and greatness are for those people who have good courage and strength.

Critical Thinking:

I have some reservations after reading this story. How can a stroke of hair support a big sword? Wasn't there chance of falling of the sword upon Damocles? It is not good to flatter others, but shouldn't we desire to hold high positions? Don't we need wealth to drive our life smoothly? Do we believe the crown is such an easy matter which can be given to other temporarily? However, I am really impressed that it's not good to be a flatterer.

Assimilation:

After reading this story, I am very much impressed. I came to know that flattering does not help to win the concerned person's psyche. On the other hand, happiness cannot be compared only with wealth and high positions. If we have capability, we can make our own standing position. The main key to happiness is self-satisfaction.