…also known as The Achaeans and The Dananns, because this is “Greece-Land” where everyone has at least five names because too many people have the same names and so they need nicknames in order to lessen confusion.
The Argives are from many different Greek areas, including some of the Aegean islands. More on geography later.
Main Characters
Achilles, son of Peleus and the sea-nymph Thetis. Momma’s boy. He cries a lot. Leader of the Myrmidons. “Best Friends” with Patroclus.
Agamemnon, a.k.a. Atrides, King of Mycenae, leader of the Achaean army, brother to Menlaus. Kind of a dick.
Menelaus, brother to Agamemnon, cuckold husband to Helen, King of Sparta, definitely not one of the mightiest Achaean warriors, sorry pal. There’s a reason your wife left you.
Odysseus, he cries and he lies, has his own story “The Odyssey” which is long and fairly pointless, he comes off less whiney and pathetic in The Illiad, where he has a best bro, Diomedes, goes off on night spy missions, steals things, and helps mediate between the aggressive, hot-headed, ill-tempered, Achilles and Agamemnon.
Diomedes, a.k.a. Tydides, youngest Achaean commander, friend of Odysseus, a bit impetuous, fears no man nor god, loved by Athena, but Ares and Aphrodite? Not so much. He also goes on night spy missions. I love him.
Supporting Cast
Patroclus, lover “best friend” to Achilles.
The Great Ajax, also spelled Aias, a.k.a. Telamonian Ajax, Achaean commander, huge and strong, bff is Little Ajax, together they are known as the “Aeantes.”
Little Ajax, also spelled Aias, a.k.a. Locrian Ajax, a.k.a. The Lesser Ajax, Achaean commander, son of Oileus, small and swift, bff is Great Ajax, together they are known as the “Aeantes.” [And yes, his stick figure self looks… unusual. Oh well.] [ALSO: If you want to know more about the two Ajax/Aias characters check out Classical Wisdom Weekly’s post about them.]
Nestor, a.k.a. Nestor the Wise, King of Pylos, oldest Achaean commander, acts as advisor to Agamemnon, a bit long-winded.
Machaon, a healer, not very important, shows up in Book XI. [He’s just chillin’, looking at the stars, waiting patiently]
Calchas, a soothsayer, mildly important, at least in Book I.
Phoenix, a kind old warrior, helped raise Achilles, but we can’t blame him for how Achilles turned out.
Idomeneus, King of Crete, not very important.
There you have it! All of your Argive/Achaen/Danaans all in a row. Next time you will meet their adversaries, the Trojans. Huzzah!
Only Slightly Deranged 