What Constitutes a Spartan in Steven Pressfields' "Gates of Fire"

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Steven Pressfields: Gates of fire is based on a true story of how three hundred courageous warrior Spartans led by their king Leonidas and 700 Thespaian allies held off an army of over one million Persian infantrymen on a narrow pass in Thermopylae Greece in 480 B.C. for seven days. The Spartan Warriors were highly disciplined, physically and mentally tough soldiers that were dedicated to their country and way of life. The three hundred Spartan’s left home one day leaving their families behind, on a suicide mission to buy time for their countrymen to organize forces. Their sacrifice was unparalleled and their dedication and battle skill struck fear in the hearts and minds of their enemy. What constitutes a Spartan? According to Steven Pressfield in his book gates of fire a Spartan is synonymous with the term warrior. The Spartan warriors as depict in this novel were true men. Audacious, fearless warriors, dedicated to the safety of their families and the Spartan way of life. Spartan Soldiers were born to die for family and country. What made these soldiers different from all the rest in the world was not only there unsurpassed skill but their loyalty to their country, family and peers. Leonidas states while briefing the eighty remaining Spartans on the seventh day of battle: why men fight, “forget country. Forget King. Forget wife and children and freedom. Forget every concept, however noble, that you may imagine you fight here today. Act for this alone: for the man who stands at your shoulder” (Pressfield, S. 1998). That statement is insight on how the Spartans way of life was established based on their values and loyalty to comrades at arms. These warriors were the elite of Greece; as valor was shown on the pass of Thermopyl... ... middle of paper ... ...roops to the rear to replenish Greece. Greeks had viewed Thermopylae as a critical moral and culture lesson to be learned. That free men fought willingly with pride and valor against those that were forced. Who do you think had more fear? Freedom won in the end. It was always the will to train and fight and develop proper skills that kept this Army on track. The Spartans had a great leader that boosted there pride and motivation throughout the conflict. Spartans knew how to be real men, fathers, husbands and warriors. They fought for their family, country and comrades in arms. Most importantly, they fought for what they believed in. No enemy has ever enslaved their children and raped their women and as long as brave men fight like on that ridgeline then freedom will always be alive. Works Cited Pressfield, Steven. Gates of Fire. New York: Bantam Books, 1998.

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