Dienekes or Dieneces was a Spartan soldier who fought and died at the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC. He was acclaimed the bravest of all the Greeks who fought in that battle. Herodotus related the following anecdote about Dienekes: Herodotus also mentions that Dienekes said many other similar things which made him unforgotten. Plutarch in his "Sayings of the Spartans" also mentions this comment, but he attributes it to Leonidas I, Dienekes' general in the battle. According to Plutarch, when one of the soldiers complained to Leonidas that "Because of the arrows of the barbarians it is impossible to see the sun," Leonidas replied, "Won't it be nice, then, if we shall have shade in which to fight them?" The laconic phrase "then we will fight in the shade" was cited by Latin writers such as Cicero and Valerius Maximus. The street east of the Tomb of Leonidas in the modern town of Sparta is named for Dienekes.
Dienekes is one of the main characters in Steven Pressfield's novel Gates of Fire. He's known for his memorable one-liners and quick wit, which resembles his real life quote of "fighting in the shade." Throughout the book the author alludes to his humble, hardworking character which the narrator uses to explain his excellent leadership skills and fighting prowess as a platoon commander. His main job as an officer was to "fire their valor when it flagged, and rein in their fury when it threatened to take them out of hand." He is described as being a master teacher and a "student of fear." He shares his timeless wisdom throughout the book with his protege. Throughout the book he tries to strip fighting of its mystery by saying that "war is work" that the preparation for war is the most noble and virtuous pursuit. He preaches that there is a "force beyond fear" through only attaining and abiding by the virtues laid out by Spartan law. He also describes the fighting ability of warriors who have touched the sublime in battle. He quotes his late brother when asked how he fought like an immortal and he responds, "More virtue." One of the most profound pieces of wisdom he shares with readers is that "love is the opposite of fear." Dienekes is portrayed by Michael Fassbender in the film 300. He appears in many scenes throughout the movie and gives his famous "fight in the shade" line. He is a close friend of King Leonidas as well as Astinos, another featured warrior. He is a minor character in the video game .
