In our lives, we often use various idioms and colorful idioms, sometimes even just not thinking about the origin of these stable expressions. Every self-respecting intellectual and generally any literate person should understand this issue. Today we’ll talk about the phraseology “Damocles Sword”. This is a fairly common concept. We all know the expression that came into our everyday life from ancient Greek myths - "The sword of Damocles" - is very popular in modern culture and politics.
"Sword of Damocles". Legend
According to legend, a long time ago some Greek state was ruled by one famous tyrant named Dionysius, who had immeasurable power and wealth. Dionysius was the sole ruler, the autocratic king, and all he had was abundant: he had a good environment, loyal and obedient subjects, a prosperous state, innumerable wealth, which was measured in tons of gold and daily feasts. The existence of Dionysius was not much different from the existence of all the tyrants of those times: he spent time on the battlefield, with a glass of good wine, and with fun. From the side, the life of Dionysius seemed cloudless, easy and carefree.
Undoubtedly, such a life aroused envy of others: everyone wanted to be “in the shoes” of the king, dreaming of the pleasure of possessing unlimited power and wealth. And to our times, alas, this misconception has persisted that the life of politicians is easy and carefree, like a boat floating on the golden ocean. And there was one man closest to Dionysius - Damocles, who dreamed of becoming the sole king. Damocles did not hide his desires and openly expressed his intentions to the king. Then Dionysius decided to teach Damocles a lesson and show that to be a king means to bear the heavy burden of responsibility, to be in constant fear and eternal expectation of a trick or attack from close or foreign enemies. He wanted to destroy the illusory perception of the royal life of Damocles and all the courtiers in general, comparing it with limitless happiness.
So, Dionysius, in order to prove this, decided to conduct an unusual experiment.
He seated Damocles on the throne instead of himself and obliged the entourage to pay him royal honors and completely obey. Damocles was beside himself with happiness and at the same hour believed everything unconditionally. And now, enthusiastic, he rolls his eyes to heaven, as if thanks to the gods for such mercy. But it was not there. What did he see above his head? A sword hanging on horsehair directly above it with its tip pointed down! This sword could fall at any moment and pierce Damocles head. He was called the "Damocles Sword" - an obstacle to enjoyment and serenity.
In this way, Dionysius to all observers clearly demonstrated the true position of any ruler of the state. That is where the expression "Damocles Sword" came from. This myth, by the way, is included in the general education program. So any average citizen must know this story.
Now the expression "Sword of Damocles" is used in the case when a person is in wait for a possible danger, ready to fall upon him at any time.
