Damon and Pythias

American  

plural noun

Greek Legend.

1. two friends whose mutual loyalty was shown by Damon's offer of his life as pledge that Pythias would return from settling his affairs to be executed for rebelling against Dionysius: Pythias returned, and Dionysius relented and pardoned them both.

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Damon and Pythias British  

/ ˈdeɪmən /

noun

1. classical myth two friends noted for their mutual loyalty. Damon offered himself as a hostage for Pythias, who was to be executed for treason by Dionysius of Syracuse. When Pythias returned to save his friend's life, he was pardoned

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Damon and Pythias Cultural  

1. In a Greek legend, two friends who were enormously loyal to each other. When the tyrannical ruler of their city condemned Pythias to death, Pythias pleaded for time to go home and put his affairs in order. Damon agreed to stay and die in place of Pythias if Pythias did not return by the time of the execution. Pythias was delayed, and Damon prepared to be executed. Pythias arrived just in time to save Damon. The ruler was so impressed by their friendship that he let them both live.

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Discover More

Damon and Pythias symbolize devotion between friends.

Example Sentences

The Post said they were the “closest of friends,” comparing them to ancient Greek figures Damon and Pythias, who were willing to die for each other.

From Washington Post • Aug. 7, 2022

I have written a poem which was in free verse, on Damon and Pythias.

From Scientific American • Dec. 10, 2013

And there they went, jogging away in step, knees high, heads up, shoulder to shoulder like some Damon and Pythias of the inner city.

From Time Magazine Archive

When men are devoted friends, they are often compared to Damon and Pythias, whose story has been a favorite with poets and playwrights.

From The Story of the Greeks by Guerber, H. A. (Hélène Adeline)

He has had a Damon and Pythias friendship with David Hill since his childhood.

From Descriptive Catalogue of Photographs of North American Indians by Jackson, W. H.