Polynikes

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Polynikes is a fictional character in Steven Pressfield's Gates of Fire. He is a Spartan Peer, a champion of his generation. Flawless in looks and peerless in valor, he is the nephew of King Leonidas and a member of the King's Three Hundred Knights in addition to being an Olympic champion. He's the youngest winner of not one, but two Prizes of Valour at the age of 23. His name in fact can be literally translated as "Many" (Poly-) "Victories" (-Nikes). He is also called by his nickname "Kallistos" which means "beautiful" or "Handsome"

In the book, he is a pivotal part of Alexandros' education. He is chosen to go to Thermopylae, having already fathered three sons. He participates in a raid to kill the Persian, King Xerxes. The raid fails and Polynikes helps Alexandros back to Greek lines after his wrist is severed. Polynikes dies during the final stand in a barehanded attack on a Persian officer along with the remaining Spartans.