“Fear conquers fear. This is how we Spartans do it, counterpoising to fear of death a greater fear: that of dishonor. Of exclusion from the pack.”
The story which is narrated by Xeones recalls Dienekes’ speech to the Spartans in regards to their philosophy during battle. Essentially the quotation alludes to their fighting spirit in that they must fight to not die and also not to be defeated and disgraced. Thus, the only acceptable outcome for them is victory despite the adversity. The Spartans are taught to fear death; you must live through a battle and also fear being dishonored from losing a war. Accordingly, they balance both fears in order to overcome any anxieties. This philosophy fuels their stoicism and will to persevere and consequently manage to defeat two million Persians in the battle.
“Habit will be your champion. When you train the mind to think one way and one way only, when you refuse to allow it to think in another that will produce great strength in battle.”
The assertion further accentuates the Spartans’ training regimen that involves conditioning one’s mind to a certain discipline. Pressfield highlights the superior training techniques inn details of the Spartans in the narrative. The training involves teaching young Spartan boys the military programs that will allow them to become complete citizens. Henceforth the statement refers to the habitual nature of the training which ensures strong will and stoicism in combat.
“Good, then we'll fight in the shade.”
This statement is uttered after the Persian messenger asserts to the Spartans that their arrows will black out the sun. Dienekes’ assertion is proof of the faith and honor they harbor before confronting their adversaries. In the narrative, Persians were confident they will defeat the Greeks as the odds were against them. However, they underestimated the fighting spirit and the will of the Spartans who inflicted heavy losses to the other side also.
“Because a warrior carries helmet and breastplate for his own protection, but his shield for the safety of the whole line.”
A major motif in the narrative is the incorporation of simple innovations to the artillery by the Spartans to warrant their victory. While the Persians were confident in their expertise and underestimated the Spartan’s weapons they ignored this factor in warfare. The assertion alludes to how the Spartans were meticulous in their craftsmanship especially the metal shields. The reason their line of defense was indestructible was their superior military tactics and weaponry.
