Fight in the Shade with that *LIKE* & *SUBSCRIBE* Button Had It Coming! ruclips.net/user/TheReelRejects Support the Channel 👉 huel.com/rejects to get 15% off - *Full Reaction* Watch Along & MORE For *SS* Rejects: www.patreon.com/thereelrejects - Follow Us On Socials: instagram.com/reelrejects/ www.tiktok.com/@thereelrejects?lang=en
When Leonidas told the hunchback, I hope you live forever, that was the greatest insult a Spartan would give because it meant you would never die a glorious death for Sparta.
Historically, Spartans were known for their smack talk. "Then we will fight in the shade." and "Come and get them!" are from the historical story. Spartans were also known for honoring their elders because those men were badass enough to survive that long.
Also the phrase “come back holding your shield or on it”. To die in battle was an honour for them, that’s why Leonidas “cursed” Efialtes (whose name literally means nightmare in Greek) to live a long life. Ancient spartans are still famous for their bravery, military tactics and formations, their diet, sense of ethics, way of thinking, and the importance of women in their society. Very dynamic women.
these phrases are not Taken from the Story but taken from History. they are Phrases used by Spartans here and there and used for this story. at least from what i recall
The best Spartan smack talk was when someone, possibly the Persians, threatened Sparta. They said "If we win, we will raze your lands, rape your women, kill your children, steal your treasure, and remove your name from history." The Spartans reply was simply one word. *If*
@Dusk.EighthLegion one of my favorite lines from Sparta is from a king showing off his walls and the Spartan says nonchalantly, "Oh, what wonderful women's quarters" The man obviously feeling emasculated asks the Spartan, "Well then, where are Sparta's walls?" He simply points to his men standing behind him, "These are Sparta's Walls" ... Badass
@@marbella135 Left out their pedo lifestyle and women had freedoms because men were "loving" each other. "Women are marriage and having kids, men were for loving each other". The wolf in the begging was an actual slave that they would have to delete in order to finish their training.
Leonidas telling Ephialtes "May you live forever", is one of the worst insults you could give to a spartan. To live forever is to never know glory, never see Elysium after death, and suffer with his betrayal for eternity. In fact, he was only ever remembered for the betrayal, his name itself means "a nightmare".
"Come back with your shield, or on it" An actual Spartan tradition was to carry deceased soldiers back home, using their shield as something like a backboard. The shield was also viewed as THE MOST VALUABLE piece of equipment, more than their helmet, more than their sword. Because it protected the brother next to them, in the phalanx formation. Losing your shield was the most dishonorable thing you could do. So the Queen is essentially telling him "Protect your brothers, or die trying", and Leonidas would not disapoint his Queen.
No, the Spartans could ride their shields through the desert sands like a skateboard, so this was a common saying. Soldiers would often ride into battle and return home on their shields.
They're also really heavy, and thus would be dropped if you were running away. Come back without it and not having folks to back you up that it was shattered in battle or some shit, and you're automatically a coward
Spartans were actually one of the few to bury their soldiers in the soil where they fell. The saying only illustrates the Spartan mentality, not the reality
The Spartans were also known for their sharp tongues and wit as you see on display in this movie. After invading southern Greece and receiving the submission of other key city-states, Philip II of Macedon turned his attention to Sparta and asked menacingly whether he should come as friend or foe. The reply was one word only, "Neither." Losing patience, Philip II sent the message: "If I bring my army into your land, I will destroy your farms, slay your people, and raze your city” The Spartan ephors again replied with a single word: "If."
I went to Thermopylae for my once-in-a-lifetime trip to Greece. There are plaques and statues dedicated to Leonidas and his men. There is rock steps that lead up a small hill and on the top is a stone placard with wording. I didn't know what it said but I felt a quietness and something I just cannot describe. When I went back to my hotel, I looked it up. I was standing on the burial mound of the 300 Spartans and the stone slab was a tribute to their last stand with the Persians. Lets just say I was freaked the hell out. But an experience I will never forget.
Πηγαίνετε πείτε στους Σπαρτιάτες, εσείς που περνάτε από αυτόν τον ιερό τόπο, ότι ξαπλώνουμε εδώ υπακούοντας στις διαταγές μας. Pronunciation -- Pigaínete peíte stous Spartiátes, eseís pou pernáte apó aftón ton ieró tópo, óti xaplónoume edó ypakoúontas stis diatagés mas. Translation -- Go tell the Spartans, you who pass by this holy place, that we lie here in obedience to our orders.
I’m so jealous. Visiting Thermopylae in particular, is at the top of my bucket list and you’ve just added to the aura of that place. I just want to ask, is it clear where the literal “Hot Gates” are? Or has it all been overgrown?
@@danielchevere Thank you. Do it, if that's what you want. I threw everything out the door and went for it and never regretted it. I took pictures of where the pass used to be. The landscape had changed over the decades.
A lot of people sadly miss the fact that not only is the movie based on the Frank Miller graphic novel but that the story isn’t even supposed to be factual, it starts with Dilios (David Wenham) telling the story to the Spartans who then visualize it in their minds, hence why the dark fantastical look and feel.
Not gonna lie i have watched this several times before, and seen many reactions to it, but i never considered it from the perspective of being a story told by Dilios. Makes alot of sense as i see it now though.
@@thedarkknight2221 There was between 5000 and 7700 (depending on the source; Herodotus or Diodorus) Greeks at Thermopylae. Sparta was one of the Greek city states.
@@karmehedYeah I've been yelling this at people since the movie came out, lmao. Not only does the idea of it being a story told from one soldier to others explain the tone and fantastical elements, but I think it also just really elevated the whole movie. It becomes a really interesting examination of how humans use and tell stories
Fun fact: Zack Snyder's son Eli appears as a key character in a few of his films. He was the younger child Leonidas in '300'. He was young Rorschach in 'Watchmen'. He was a featured soldier and bus passenger in 'Sucker Punch'.
Btw, this isn't just limited to Roxy and Aaron, but I love the longer post-watch discussions, trivia and tidbits. Some channels get done with the reaction and they peace out. Nothing wrong with that, but I definitely prefer this format. Thanks to everyone at Rejects for this.
The Spartans were so poetic in such a brutal way. I love the tale of the king who sent a message to Sparta saying "If my army gets through, we will kill kill kill etc etc etc" and the Spartan kings reply was simply "If"
Despite being a movie from a comic book many aspects were real. Like the line "Then we will fight in the shade" spoken by the Spartan Dienekes after Persians threatened the 300 that their arrows will cover the sun. Also "Persians come and get them" was the actual answer given by Leonidas to the Persian messenger who told them to lay down their arms. The phrase "come with your shield or on it" was the traditional farewell of Spartan women to their husbands and sons before a campaign meaning "come with your shield in hand as a victor or dead carried upon a shield". Lastly Queen Gorgo was real and existant person. Wife of King Leonidas and daughter of King Cleomenes I of Sparta. She was a badass since like age 8 when she talked back defiantly to the Persian ambassador trying to intimidate her father to submit. Her father kicked out the Persian ambassador after his daughter's rebuke of Persian slavery.
@@Reefism I'm Sorry guys to sound like that person but I think Watchmen is Alan Moore My favourite Frank Miller graphic novel is The Dark Knight Returns and his graphic novel adaptation of RoboCop 2 its great it was considered at the time too violent to be filmed so he adapted it into a graphic novel
It was said by Greeks but made famous because of Roman poets using the phrase in their works about war, so you are correct that the Greeks said it first.
Love this pairing, love this reaction. Roxy going hard for the Queen is everything. I hope you guys watch the second 300, it's a sequel and honestly I really liked it. As a student of Classical history, I found the historical accuracy impressive.
While I enjoy the style and action of the movie, its inhuman depiction of the Persians is distasteful. I don't think there is anything that's historically accurate. It's a comic book version of history.
Yes, Spartans wore armor into battle: Hoplite armor Spartan soldiers, or hoplites, wore armor called panoply that included a large bronze helmet, breastplate, ankle guards, and a round shield.
Xerxes is played by Rodrigo Santoro who was also in Love Actually. The voice of Xerxes is Rodrigo's, they just adjusted the tone down to create that odd "larger than life" voice. It's similar to what music producers did to Madonna in the 80's, except they turned her voice tone up to make her sound younger.
'This is Sparta!' was not intended to be the epic moment it became. Originally, Gerard Butler was supposed to whisper the line almost under his breathe but when asked to run the line again decided to yell it and improvised the kick of co-star Peter Mensah into the 'pit'.
Through the years and years, it is always missed (for good reason) that everything you see is a story told from a spartan perspective who has a particular talent for telling stories, so a lot of the things that are fantastical and exagerated elements are meant to be embelishments to demonize the enemies (monster faces, grotesque body modifications, the voice of the Xerxes) and make the Spartans heroes. Basically the whole thing is a hype story to get everyone else motivated before a big battle.
Historically, that guy was hated, because he was viewed as having fled the battle. He was shunned by society. In the following battle (shown at the end) he didn't lead it, he was able to participate but died, but even then he wasn't treated with honor since he died having broken ranks.
no way, bro. all of it was real. it's exactly how it went down. totally. the Persian scribes & chroniclers were so impressed by the Spartan's Bad Ass One-Liners that they made sure to write all that shit down. otherwise we wouldn't know what Leonidas actually said 2,500 years ago.
My queen!! My wife... My love! This line brought me to tears every time i thought of it for almost 20 years now. He wanted to remember her at the last moment before his death.
“Come back with your shield or on it” was a famous saying amongst Spartans. It essentially meant come back with honor or come back dead. They were famous for their one-liners and almost all of them in this movie were said to have been spoken during the battle (including ’fight in the shade’) according to Herodotus. Also, in the real Battle of Thermopylae, there were several factions of Greek soldiers there to fight alongside the 300 Spartans. Though the Spartans were easily the most effective force present. The Persians thought they were going to dominate the Spartans initially bc they sent a spy to the Greek camp and found the Spartans grooming each others hair and dressing each other in oils. This completely puzzled the Persians but it was customary for Spartans to do this bc they wanted to look their best going into the afterlife. Ephialtes (the hunchback) was the real villain of the story and betrayed the Greeks at Thermopylae. For this, his name was used as a curse among Greeks for years to come. Lastly, on the final day (third day) all the Greek factions retreated while the remaining Spartans stayed to take on the Persians and hold them off as long as possible. They lasted much longer than in the movie despite being completely surrounded. Sorry for the lore dump, I’ve always been obsessed with the historical truth behind this incredible event. I suggest people check it out too bc sometimes the truth is even better than the movie. Anyway, love you Reel Rejects and so happy you guys watched this one!
I love how you guys were looking to figure out who the narrator is when the movie opened up with a zoom shot on the narrators face while he's telling the story lol. You guys are my spirit animals!
Back in '06, you couldn't avoid this one. Among the last films in the revival of the 'Sword and Sandals' era. Some have learned about this history in high school, documentaries, etc. Not the first time this story has been told on film. The 300 Spartans (1962) was made and filmed with the cooperation of the Greek government. The 1998 graphic novel series by Frank Miller was super incredible. Presented in such an incredible way that it would be the more interesting presentation for the big screen and WB kept it that way. Zack Snyder (pre-DCEU) did make a masterpiece and it became a signature for more of his films down the road. Gerald Butler's breakthrough role and leading a great cast. Cinematography, set and costume design, visual effects, battle sequences and everything in between is as epic as promised. The 2014 follow-up, "Rise of an Empire" was on an similar level with an alternate storyline within the events of the first film. But like I said, no avoiding this story. It's about as loud as the voice of Leonidas calling his men to battle.
Thank you! They kept referring to it as a prequel or a sequel, it's neither. Empire takes place during the same 3 days as the battle at the Hot Gates, then several days after. The land and sea battles took place just a few miles apart. It's like nobody studies history anymore!!!
@@kenheaston3193 the fight scenes on the water amazing well choreographed and the amount of people they got on camera I mean wow and the ships and yes you are right I apologise I said it was a sequel but it's a continuation of the first movie I made a mistake apologies guys if anyone gets the chance to watch this please don't hesitate because it's just as good as 300 well that's my opinion anyway
@@davidmaciver5744 My comment about prequel or sequel weren't aimed at you, but at the reactors. I kept waiting for them to look up information about the battle of Thermopylae because they said a few times that they wondered if this is how it really happened, but they just looked up Fassbender and Butler to see what they have done since this movie. Movies like this, that make an impact on people is what drives a lot of intellectual curiosity. We see movies like this, or Braveheart or Gladiator and we want to know "was it like this?" so we look it up and learn about history and see where the movie makers got it right and where they got it wrong. Unfortunately, that intellectual curiosity seems to be a thing of the past for so many people. Just my .02
You also have to remember, back in those days, ONLY the King was a man who grew his hair long, as if you notice through the show, that his hair is ALSO his crown, Spartan Kings as they aged, their hair grew longer and longer, and every so often, it would be taken down, washed, freshly re-braided and woven around his head again to fashion into his crown, to my knowledge, only Spartan Kings did this, and no other place on the planet was this done, the ponytail is likely the end of the crown that hung down as it simply was not long enough to make another lap around the top of his head.
Guessing they didnt notice its a campfire story being told to the men before war.. so there's a reason for all the "super natural" she keeps mentioning 🤣
When King Leo aimed at the first Persian and nailed it, this was foreshadowing that KL couldnt have missed Xerxes at that distance. Breaking Xerxes’ god complex was better to weaken his army than to kill him.
300 just may be my favorite movie ever. The raw emotion it provokes in each and every scene is incredible. The acting was superb and the fight scenes are LEGENDARY!!
I remember seeing "300" in the theater when it first came out and I went in expecting a cool historical story. Then, once it got going and had all the stylized visuals, speed warps, electric guitar moments, monsters, etc. I was kind of disappointed bc it felt like one of those "style over substance" type movies that's like, "Who cares what really happened? Look at this badass guy jumping with a spear while an electric guitar riff plays! It's like a music video, right? YEAH! KICKASS!" So I just sighed, settled in, and decided to just try to enjoy it for what it was. BUT, when it reached the end and we get the reveal that the whole movie is the hyped up, highly exaggerated propaganda story Dilios is telling to (1) secure the army, and (2) fire up the soldiers before the battle, it went to a whole new level for me and I LOVED what the movie was. It's not the historical story; it's the myth version of the historical story. I'm also not always a fan of Zach Snyder (like Aaron said, he's hit-and-miss for me) but this was a movie where his super stylized visuals and bag of gimmicks is PERFECT for the subject matter. This wouldn't have worked for something that's supposed to be more realistic like "Gladiator," e.g., but for a movie that's basically the LEGEND version of a battle being re-told by a storyteller whose sole purpose is to make the 300 look like super heroes who faced down monstrous, impossible enemies so that the soldiers who are about to fight are inspired to go hard into the next battle... bro, Snyder was made to make this movie.
“Take from them nothing and give to them EVERYTHING!” Hey, maybe I’m dyslexic, maybe I’m just a giving person. 😂 Point is, love yall, have a great day!
While there is no doubt that Spartan warriors were all jacked as hell with pristine 6-8 pack abs, they did not historically charge into battle bare-chested as seen in the film/graphic novel. They typically wore armor pieces of bronze, like a musculata chest piece, greaves to protect their shins and a helmet.
There was a time we couldn't escape the 300 funk remixes here in Brazil. I miss those times. Also it was super cool to see our Rodrigo Santoro getting a bigger part in north American movies. ❤
"300: Rise Of An Empire begins around 490 BCE and ends in 480 BCE, showing some major battles of the Greco-Persian War. The timeline of Rise Of An Empire is clear, but its ties to 300 are confusing, as it spans events before, during, and after 300"
Omg Aaron is TOO consistently and categorically chill for that intro omfg that was EVERYTHING (ROXY'S FACE DURING THIS IS 1:15 ALSO THE BEES KNEES, THE CAT'S MEOW, THE ELEPHANT'S EYEBROWS, A REEEEAL TOMATO, AS THE KIDS THESE DAYS SAY Oh and Shame was --*CHEF'S KISS* sooo so good
Queen Gorgo IS REMEMBERED, After the Battles of the Artemisian straight and Battle of Thermopylae which happened at the same time, Queen Gorgo was instrumental in the joining together of ALL of the Greek City States to completely annihilate King Xerxes army at the battle of Platea 1 year after Thermopylae.
The borderline supernatural and outlandish aspects of the film are a great way of conveying the themes and legends that spring up around events like this in retellings.
The line "10,000 Spartan's commanding 30,000 Free Greeks" ALWAYS sends shivers down my spine, absolute one of the best. This is Zack Snyder's best film.
That is Spartan quote - "Come home with your shield or on it." Also, over 8,000 Greek soldiers went with the Spartans. Also, there a sea battle component that bottled up the Persian fleet thus denying them access to supplies. The battle lasted three days, costing the Persians between 30,000 and 40,00 men and near the end, the Spartans committed to acting as a rear guard along with 700 Thespian while the others went back to prepare more defenses. As history tells, the whole rear guard died to a man though no in vain. Eventually, the combined Greek armies and fleet won out. As you may know, the Spartans would not have fought as individuals. Their strength was in the Phalanx. And the get that wrong too. They didn't push, left shields and stab. The ranks had different spear lengths so they could stab over the shields. As back rank tired, a new one came in. Supposedly, there a marker at the pass that says, "Go tell the Spartan, stranger passing by, that here, obedient to their laws, we lie."
One example as to why this movie isn’t a history movie, is that the Spartans were actually slave owners, the spartan population in their own city was a minority compared to the Slave population who were the majority. The Persians were factually the ones who freed slaves, not the Greeks.
Fun fact: Daily life and training for the Spartan Hoplight was so hard-core and disciplined, that going to war was almost considered and celebrated as "vacation time" to them.
the abs, the close-ups, the slow-mo and the bling is said to be Dillios hand embellishing the story. THIS right here, is the tale of the 300 as heard and imagined by the Greeks.
The Battle with Leonitus was called the battle of Thermopylae where 300 Spartans and some other Greeks held off the Persians to give the rest of Greece time to prepare for war. The Battle was referenced in Tom Cruises' movie The Last Samaria. The Queen's name was Gorgo and in challenges of athletics in dance competition she could jump to her highest point and kick her heals into her gluts with the number of times being counted. Greek History is very fascinating. Check out the Iliad and the Odessey.
Andrew Ghai! Oh man…he’s one of the kindest, coolest human-beings out there! Always taking the time to speak/respond to people when possible. And his mother is just an absolute gem as well😊
Personal memory of mine, this was one of the first two movies I bought after getting a HD TV and HD DVD player, still to this day I remember seeing the snow fall in this movie and thinking it was the craziest thing I'd ever seen.
Facts: 1. King Leonidas was around 60 years old when he fought this battle..!! Also today's military schools, teach his war tactics.. 🔥⚔ 2. Efialtis (Εφιάλτης) (The traitor who told Persians the secret passage), actually means "Nightmare" in Greek 3. The phrases below, were actually told by Spartans in that battle a) Get back with your shield, or on it. (᾿Ή τὰν ἢ ἐπὶ τᾶς) b) Then we will fight in the shade. (Εἰ ἀποκρυπτόντων τῶν Μήδων τὸν ἥλιον ὑπὸ σκιῇ ἔσοιτο πρὸς αὐτοὺς ἡ μάχη καὶ οὐκ ἐν ἡλίῳ)** c) Come and get them. (Μολὼν λαβέ) (Actual translation/meaning: "If you find the mental reserves, come and get them") P.S.: Spartans didn't wore full armor because it was heavy and would make them move slow in the battle.. Also their swords, spears and shields where made from various alloys that made them very superior against other armies.. **Dienekes, disciplined, modest, and laconic, at the age of forty, had declined every proposal for promotion and advancement. He remained at the rank of Enomotarch, commanding 32 or 36 men, because, as he said, "…I only know how to count up to thirty-six!" According to the laws of Lycurgus, he could have avoided participating in the campaign since he had no male children. However, he arranged for one of his slaves to claim she had given birth to his son, allowing him to take part. Besides, he was a dear friend of Leonidas, and they often dined together. Dienekes had studied fear and asserted, “If we drive it out of the flesh, where it is born, the mind will simply follow.” His fearlessness led him, along with the Olympic champion brothers Alpheus and Maron, the sons of Orsiphantus, on a daring nighttime raid to Xerxes' tent. They nearly assassinated him, but his generals Mardonius and Orontes moved him elsewhere in time. Dienekes ultimately fulfilled the meaning of his name: "the eternal," "the one who lasts forever," "the unstoppable," through his "excellence" on the third day of the battle. Herodotus describes the furious battle of the Lacedaemonians around the dead body of Leonidas until, after killing Xerxes’ two brothers, Abrocomes and Hyperanthes, they dragged the body towards their side, routing the enemy four times. When they were encircled by the traitor Ephialtes, they retreated to the hill at the entrance of the pass. “...At that very place, they made their final stand, using knives if they still had them, or their hands and teeth, while the barbarians covered them with arrows, not daring to approach them…” Thus, the tragic truth of the unstoppable warrior Dienekes’ statement was confirmed: “...If the Medes darken the sun, we will fight them in the shade and not in the sunlight...” The brave Greeks fought to the bitter end, “In the Shade.”
It might be a movie, but this really DID HAPPEN, and the one who Leonidas sent back to give the message to the senate and the Queen, died a year later at the battle of Platea, so while 300 Spartans did die at Thermopylae, there was also some Photians, Arcadians, and others who fell at Thermopylae along with some Athenians, along with some of the other Greek City/States that died in the Battle of the Artemisian Straights, all together between all of the Greek City/States that participated in those 2 battles, about 700 Greeks died, 300 of them were Spartan's including their King, but the Persian losses were very very high, estimates range between 225,000 and 300,000 total persians died in those fights, MOST of them at the spears and swords of the Spartan's, Historians have never been able to nail down exact numbers, but King Xerxes paid a very heavy price for those victories, a year later during the Battle of Platea, the unified Greek armies numbering about 40,000 combined, led by the Spartan's, killed another estimated 300,000 Persians, while losing about 1,000 Greeks, thus putting a complete END to ancient Persia as a power on the world stage, the Persian empire never recovered and ultimately collapsed in on itself about 200 years later.
![Noob To Max With DRAGON REWORK In Blox Fruits [FULL MOVIE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/LnBMOinoOvA/mqdefault.jpg)
Fight in the Shade with that *LIKE* & *SUBSCRIBE* Button Had It Coming! ruclips.net/user/TheReelRejects
Support the Channel 👉 huel.com/rejects to get 15% off
- *Full Reaction* Watch Along & MORE For *SS* Rejects: www.patreon.com/thereelrejects
- Follow Us On Socials: instagram.com/reelrejects/
www.tiktok.com/@thereelrejects?lang=en
Please please ReelRejects watch part two please its dope to
You guys have definitely come into your own! ❤
REJECTS!! PREPARE FOR GLORY!!!
Do the second one
You guys should react to Immortals, the Greek gods one
When Leonidas told the hunchback, I hope you live forever, that was the greatest insult a Spartan would give because it meant you would never die a glorious death for Sparta.
Lmao 😂 Did Leonidas tell you that?
@jtlynn1928 you okay bud?
@@jtlynn1928 It's common knowledge of Spartan history any Spartan saying that to another person was the biggest insult for them .
Are always this much of an ass @@jtlynn1928
Read some book boyyyy. @@jtlynn1928
Historically, Spartans were known for their smack talk. "Then we will fight in the shade." and "Come and get them!" are from the historical story. Spartans were also known for honoring their elders because those men were badass enough to survive that long.
Also the phrase “come back holding your shield or on it”. To die in battle was an honour for them, that’s why Leonidas “cursed” Efialtes (whose name literally means nightmare in Greek) to live a long life. Ancient spartans are still famous for their bravery, military tactics and formations, their diet, sense of ethics, way of thinking, and the importance of women in their society. Very dynamic women.
these phrases are not Taken from the Story but taken from History. they are Phrases used by Spartans here and there and used for this story. at least from what i recall
The best Spartan smack talk was when someone, possibly the Persians, threatened Sparta. They said "If we win, we will raze your lands, rape your women, kill your children, steal your treasure, and remove your name from history." The Spartans reply was simply one word.
*If*
@Dusk.EighthLegion one of my favorite lines from Sparta is from a king showing off his walls and the Spartan says nonchalantly, "Oh, what wonderful women's quarters"
The man obviously feeling emasculated asks the Spartan, "Well then, where are Sparta's walls?"
He simply points to his men standing behind him, "These are Sparta's Walls"
... Badass
@@marbella135 Left out their pedo lifestyle and women had freedoms because men were "loving" each other. "Women are marriage and having kids, men were for loving each other". The wolf in the begging was an actual slave that they would have to delete in order to finish their training.
(Shows narrator in first scene)
2 hours later: "Who's the narrator?" 😂😂😂
Yup, poor Faramir not getting any love again.
@@alexhaas9653 😂 one of the best comments I’ve ever seen
He has a voice that can melt butter 😄
Leonidas telling Ephialtes "May you live forever", is one of the worst insults you could give to a spartan. To live forever is to never know glory, never see Elysium after death, and suffer with his betrayal for eternity. In fact, he was only ever remembered for the betrayal, his name itself means "a nightmare".
In fact, when Leonidas tells him "live forever" you can see the grimace of pain on Ephialtes' face when he hears his king tell him that.
@@El_Deini Yeah, he definitely got the message!
He's remembered in the worst way possible. He probably only had a limp and was turned into a literal monster. His own fault.
When the spartan king ask his men “what is your profession?” They scream a war cry showing that fighting is their only profession.
Thanks cap!
"Come back with your shield, or on it"
An actual Spartan tradition was to carry deceased soldiers back home, using their shield as something like a backboard. The shield was also viewed as THE MOST VALUABLE piece of equipment, more than their helmet, more than their sword. Because it protected the brother next to them, in the phalanx formation. Losing your shield was the most dishonorable thing you could do. So the Queen is essentially telling him "Protect your brothers, or die trying", and Leonidas would not disapoint his Queen.
No, the Spartans could ride their shields through the desert sands like a skateboard, so this was a common saying. Soldiers would often ride into battle and return home on their shields.
@@lolmanyeah1Air Gear!
@@lolmanyeah1they also used them in the snow and are credited with inventing the Cab 720.
They're also really heavy, and thus would be dropped if you were running away. Come back without it and not having folks to back you up that it was shattered in battle or some shit, and you're automatically a coward
Spartans were actually one of the few to bury their soldiers in the soil where they fell. The saying only illustrates the Spartan mentality, not the reality
The Spartans were also known for their sharp tongues and wit as you see on display in this movie.
After invading southern Greece and receiving the submission of other key city-states, Philip II of Macedon turned his attention to Sparta and asked menacingly whether he should come as friend or foe. The reply was one word only,
"Neither."
Losing patience, Philip II sent the message:
"If I bring my army into your land, I will destroy your farms, slay your people, and raze your city”
The Spartan ephors again replied with a single word:
"If."
I went to Thermopylae for my once-in-a-lifetime trip to Greece. There are plaques and statues dedicated to Leonidas and his men. There is rock steps that lead up a small hill and on the top is a stone placard with wording. I didn't know what it said but I felt a quietness and something I just cannot describe. When I went back to my hotel, I looked it up. I was standing on the burial mound of the 300 Spartans and the stone slab was a tribute to their last stand with the Persians. Lets just say I was freaked the hell out. But an experience I will never forget.
Very mind blowing and very cool experience.
Πηγαίνετε πείτε στους Σπαρτιάτες, εσείς που περνάτε από αυτόν τον ιερό τόπο, ότι ξαπλώνουμε εδώ υπακούοντας στις διαταγές μας.
Pronunciation --
Pigaínete peíte stous Spartiátes, eseís pou pernáte apó aftón ton ieró tópo, óti xaplónoume edó ypakoúontas stis diatagés mas.
Translation --
Go tell the Spartans, you who pass by this holy place, that we lie here in obedience to our orders.
I’m so jealous. Visiting Thermopylae in particular, is at the top of my bucket list and you’ve just added to the aura of that place. I just want to ask, is it clear where the literal “Hot Gates” are? Or has it all been overgrown?
@@danielchevere Thank you. Do it, if that's what you want. I threw everything out the door and went for it and never regretted it. I took pictures of where the pass used to be. The landscape had changed over the decades.
@@Robert_Douglass Whew! That still gives me chills. Thank you for the translation.
A lot of people sadly miss the fact that not only is the movie based on the Frank Miller graphic novel but that the story isn’t even supposed to be factual, it starts with Dilios (David Wenham) telling the story to the Spartans who then visualize it in their minds, hence why the dark fantastical look and feel.
The movie is not true .But the battle of Thermopylae pass did take place where 3-5 k soldiers died fighting. Before the army was sent . Don’t quote me
Not gonna lie i have watched this several times before, and seen many reactions to it, but i never considered it from the perspective of being a story told by Dilios. Makes alot of sense as i see it now though.
@ 300 Spartans and close to 2,000 Greeks against 300,000 Persians. The Spartans killed close to 20,000.
@@thedarkknight2221 There was between 5000 and 7700 (depending on the source; Herodotus or Diodorus) Greeks at Thermopylae. Sparta was one of the Greek city states.
@@karmehedYeah I've been yelling this at people since the movie came out, lmao. Not only does the idea of it being a story told from one soldier to others explain the tone and fantastical elements, but I think it also just really elevated the whole movie. It becomes a really interesting examination of how humans use and tell stories
Fun fact: Zack Snyder's son Eli appears as a key character in a few of his films. He was the younger child Leonidas in '300'. He was young Rorschach in 'Watchmen'. He was a featured soldier and bus passenger in 'Sucker Punch'.
The sequel is basically a Xerxes origin story and sequel at the same time. Eva Green is epic in that.
I love Eva Green and that movie. I wish Eva could've played Talia in a Zack Snyder-directed Batman movie. She'd be perfect.
The tiddies are epic!!!
Why they never made a 3rd movie?!.I heard the comic was never completed but why make the first two if you can't complete the trilogy
I hope they react to the sequel....300 Rise of an Empire.
Btw, this isn't just limited to Roxy and Aaron, but I love the longer post-watch discussions, trivia and tidbits. Some channels get done with the reaction and they peace out. Nothing wrong with that, but I definitely prefer this format. Thanks to everyone at Rejects for this.
The Spartans were so poetic in such a brutal way. I love the tale of the king who sent a message to Sparta saying "If my army gets through, we will kill kill kill etc etc etc" and the Spartan kings reply was simply "If"
That Spartan king was an astute reader. I love it.
Dilios, the one-eyed narrator from the beginning; David Wenham, earlier played Faramir from the LOTR trilogy.
And Priest sidekick of Hugh Jackman Van Helsing
Throwing his words back to him, as she (Lena as the queen) kills him... Chef's kiss!
No one did slow mo fighting better than Starz Spartacus:Blood and Sand “I AM SPARTACUS!!”
Such a great show. Underrated IMO since I everytime I mention it to others, they all say they have never seen it. Very much inspired by ZS's 300.
Another epic which was also a true story. The ending is so sad and tragic. It is said that Spartacus started the fall of the Roman Empire.
Despite being a movie from a comic book many aspects were real. Like the line "Then we will fight in the shade" spoken by the Spartan Dienekes after Persians threatened the 300 that their arrows will cover the sun. Also "Persians come and get them" was the actual answer given by Leonidas to the Persian messenger who told them to lay down their arms. The phrase "come with your shield or on it" was the traditional farewell of Spartan women to their husbands and sons before a campaign meaning "come with your shield in hand as a victor or dead carried upon a shield". Lastly Queen Gorgo was real and existant person. Wife of King Leonidas and daughter of King Cleomenes I of Sparta. She was a badass since like age 8 when she talked back defiantly to the Persian ambassador trying to intimidate her father to submit. Her father kicked out the Persian ambassador after his daughter's rebuke of Persian slavery.
They used real found footage from the Spartan Persian war for this movie.
"I don't have to share my apples, and I will not be explaining myself any further" should be on a t-shirt immediately!!!
🤣🍎
What's your favorite FRANK MILLER Graphic Novel / FM Adaptation??
Watchmen is also Epic.
300
Sin City
Watchmen
@Reefism Sin City is underrated.
@@Reefism I'm Sorry guys to sound like that person but I think Watchmen is Alan Moore My favourite Frank Miller graphic novel is The Dark Knight Returns and his graphic novel adaptation of RoboCop 2 its great it was considered at the time too violent to be filmed so he adapted it into a graphic novel
eather 300 or sin city both amazing
When they said our arrows will blot out the sun, we will fight in the shade. A real Roman writer actually wrote that phrase.
Not Roman.
Spartans were Greeks not Romans.
It was said by Greeks but made famous because of Roman poets using the phrase in their works about war, so you are correct that the Greeks said it first.
@@Sclimenti82 I know. That's not what I meant. I know that Spartans are Greek.
@@funnygta2167 ok, gotcha
What can I say about 300 it's a badass movie with Gerard Butler kicking ass and yelling THIS IS SPARTA 😂 Just ugh so awesome
Здравствуйте
Love this pairing, love this reaction. Roxy going hard for the Queen is everything. I hope you guys watch the second 300, it's a sequel and honestly I really liked it. As a student of Classical history, I found the historical accuracy impressive.
While I enjoy the style and action of the movie, its inhuman depiction of the Persians is distasteful. I don't think there is anything that's historically accurate. It's a comic book version of history.
Yes, Spartans wore armor into battle:
Hoplite armor
Spartan soldiers, or hoplites, wore armor called panoply that included a large bronze helmet, breastplate, ankle guards, and a round shield.
Roxy at the start of the movie: " No war, no war."
Roxy end of the movie: "Yeah, let's go obliterate!"
This is Sparta!!! and Peter Mensah getting kicked into a Well with that slow motion shot is just awesome.
51:24 that is the worst insult to a Spartan because a death in battle is practically what they strive for
Xerxes is played by Rodrigo Santoro who was also in Love Actually. The voice of Xerxes is Rodrigo's, they just adjusted the tone down to create that odd "larger than life" voice. It's similar to what music producers did to Madonna in the 80's, except they turned her voice tone up to make her sound younger.
THIS IS REEL REJECTS!!!
Naw
'This is Sparta!' was not intended to be the epic moment it became. Originally, Gerard Butler was supposed to whisper the line almost under his breathe but when asked to run the line again decided to yell it and improvised the kick of co-star Peter Mensah into the 'pit'.
The last part isn’t true, just thinking about the logic and logistic of filmmaking makes that pseudo fact impossible , sorry.
@@gabrielleroux2333 No, it's actually true. GB did an interview where he explained that scene amongst his other roles in other movies.
@@benjaminsones2554 then you’re being extremely naive
Through the years and years, it is always missed (for good reason) that everything you see is a story told from a spartan perspective who has a particular talent for telling stories, so a lot of the things that are fantastical and exagerated elements are meant to be embelishments to demonize the enemies (monster faces, grotesque body modifications, the voice of the Xerxes) and make the Spartans heroes. Basically the whole thing is a hype story to get everyone else motivated before a big battle.
Historically, that guy was hated, because he was viewed as having fled the battle. He was shunned by society. In the following battle (shown at the end) he didn't lead it, he was able to participate but died, but even then he wasn't treated with honor since he died having broken ranks.
Well, the story is told by the winners after all.
no way, bro. all of it was real. it's exactly how it went down. totally. the Persian scribes & chroniclers were so impressed by the Spartan's Bad Ass One-Liners that they made sure to write all that shit down. otherwise we wouldn't know what Leonidas actually said 2,500 years ago.
My queen!! My wife... My love! This line brought me to tears every time i thought of it for almost 20 years now. He wanted to remember her at the last moment before his death.
“Come back with your shield or on it” was a famous saying amongst Spartans. It essentially meant come back with honor or come back dead. They were famous for their one-liners and almost all of them in this movie were said to have been spoken during the battle (including ’fight in the shade’) according to Herodotus.
Also, in the real Battle of Thermopylae, there were several factions of Greek soldiers there to fight alongside the 300 Spartans. Though the Spartans were easily the most effective force present.
The Persians thought they were going to dominate the Spartans initially bc they sent a spy to the Greek camp and found the Spartans grooming each others hair and dressing each other in oils. This completely puzzled the Persians but it was customary for Spartans to do this bc they wanted to look their best going into the afterlife.
Ephialtes (the hunchback) was the real villain of the story and betrayed the Greeks at Thermopylae. For this, his name was used as a curse among Greeks for years to come.
Lastly, on the final day (third day) all the Greek factions retreated while the remaining Spartans stayed to take on the Persians and hold them off as long as possible. They lasted much longer than in the movie despite being completely surrounded.
Sorry for the lore dump, I’ve always been obsessed with the historical truth behind this incredible event. I suggest people check it out too bc sometimes the truth is even better than the movie. Anyway, love you Reel Rejects and so happy you guys watched this one!
I love how you guys were looking to figure out who the narrator is when the movie opened up with a zoom shot on the narrators face while he's telling the story lol. You guys are my spirit animals!
Back in '06, you couldn't avoid this one.
Among the last films in the revival of the 'Sword and Sandals' era.
Some have learned about this history in high school, documentaries, etc.
Not the first time this story has been told on film.
The 300 Spartans (1962) was made and filmed with the
cooperation of the Greek government.
The 1998 graphic novel series by Frank Miller was super incredible.
Presented in such an incredible way that it would be the more interesting
presentation for the big screen and WB kept it that way.
Zack Snyder (pre-DCEU) did make a masterpiece and it became a signature
for more of his films down the road.
Gerald Butler's breakthrough role and leading a great cast.
Cinematography, set and costume design, visual effects,
battle sequences and everything in between is as epic as promised.
The 2014 follow-up, "Rise of an Empire" was on an similar level with
an alternate storyline within the events of the first film.
But like I said, no avoiding this story.
It's about as loud as the voice of Leonidas calling his men to battle.
I LOVE 300! It's my favorite ZS movie. The quotes, the action, the cast, the visuals. Fabulous.
He hit his mark. He said he would show that even a God-King could bleed. He didn't miss.
"Eat crap! Dog!" LMFAO. Roxie is crazy LOL 🤣🤘
It's not just stylized comic visuals, it's also from the point of view of a campfire story.
Aaron and Roxy?! Never seen this pairing before! Cool
So you missed that one live stream then 😅
She looked annoyed at the beginning of the video like “shit, I guess we’re doing this!” 😂
She is super toxic towards Aaron.
@@halomyego To be honest, Aaron does it to himself.
@@halomyegogive us the lore bro
Roxy's reaction to Aaron's intro was legendary. On top of another classic upload, stay awesome yall
There's another movie that takes place at the same time as 300 called 300 Rise Of An Empire that covers the sea battle
I really enjoyed the sequel of 300 this is also epic movie
Thank you! They kept referring to it as a prequel or a sequel, it's neither. Empire takes place during the same 3 days as the battle at the Hot Gates, then several days after. The land and sea battles took place just a few miles apart. It's like nobody studies history anymore!!!
@@kenheaston3193 the fight scenes on the water amazing well choreographed and the amount of people they got on camera I mean wow and the ships and yes you are right I apologise I said it was a sequel but it's a continuation of the first movie I made a mistake apologies guys if anyone gets the chance to watch this please don't hesitate because it's just as good as 300 well that's my opinion anyway
@@davidmaciver5744 My comment about prequel or sequel weren't aimed at you, but at the reactors. I kept waiting for them to look up information about the battle of Thermopylae because they said a few times that they wondered if this is how it really happened, but they just looked up Fassbender and Butler to see what they have done since this movie.
Movies like this, that make an impact on people is what drives a lot of intellectual curiosity. We see movies like this, or Braveheart or Gladiator and we want to know "was it like this?" so we look it up and learn about history and see where the movie makers got it right and where they got it wrong. Unfortunately, that intellectual curiosity seems to be a thing of the past for so many people. Just my .02
Historically, the Spartans were the slavers, and the Persians were the liberators.
😅😅😂
You also have to remember, back in those days, ONLY the King was a man who grew his hair long, as if you notice through the show, that his hair is ALSO his crown, Spartan Kings as they aged, their hair grew longer and longer, and every so often, it would be taken down, washed, freshly re-braided and woven around his head again to fashion into his crown, to my knowledge, only Spartan Kings did this, and no other place on the planet was this done, the ponytail is likely the end of the crown that hung down as it simply was not long enough to make another lap around the top of his head.
Guessing they didnt notice its a campfire story being told to the men before war.. so there's a reason for all the "super natural" she keeps mentioning 🤣
Me: **Doing Sit-ups**
Me: "Manifest it! 300 Abs! Let's go!!"
When King Leo aimed at the first Persian and nailed it, this was foreshadowing that KL couldnt have missed Xerxes at that distance. Breaking Xerxes’ god complex was better to weaken his army than to kill him.
@23:13 "are u cgi what r u dawg"😂
300 just may be my favorite movie ever. The raw emotion it provokes in each and every scene is incredible. The acting was superb and the fight scenes are LEGENDARY!!
"THIS IS WHERE WE HOLD THEM. THIS IS WHERE THEY DIE"
"EARN THESE SHIELDS BOYS"
I remember seeing "300" in the theater when it first came out and I went in expecting a cool historical story. Then, once it got going and had all the stylized visuals, speed warps, electric guitar moments, monsters, etc. I was kind of disappointed bc it felt like one of those "style over substance" type movies that's like, "Who cares what really happened? Look at this badass guy jumping with a spear while an electric guitar riff plays! It's like a music video, right? YEAH! KICKASS!" So I just sighed, settled in, and decided to just try to enjoy it for what it was. BUT, when it reached the end and we get the reveal that the whole movie is the hyped up, highly exaggerated propaganda story Dilios is telling to (1) secure the army, and (2) fire up the soldiers before the battle, it went to a whole new level for me and I LOVED what the movie was. It's not the historical story; it's the myth version of the historical story.
I'm also not always a fan of Zach Snyder (like Aaron said, he's hit-and-miss for me) but this was a movie where his super stylized visuals and bag of gimmicks is PERFECT for the subject matter. This wouldn't have worked for something that's supposed to be more realistic like "Gladiator," e.g., but for a movie that's basically the LEGEND version of a battle being re-told by a storyteller whose sole purpose is to make the 300 look like super heroes who faced down monstrous, impossible enemies so that the soldiers who are about to fight are inspired to go hard into the next battle... bro, Snyder was made to make this movie.
Yeah, Delios is technically an “unreliable narrator.” I didn’t even catch that until years later.
“Take from them nothing and give to them EVERYTHING!” Hey, maybe I’m dyslexic, maybe I’m just a giving person. 😂 Point is, love yall, have a great day!
Start at 1:48...
While there is no doubt that Spartan warriors were all jacked as hell with pristine 6-8 pack abs, they did not historically charge into battle bare-chested as seen in the film/graphic novel. They typically wore armor pieces of bronze, like a musculata chest piece, greaves to protect their shins and a helmet.
“Persians…. Come and get them” had me and the theater so hyped! The way Aaron say b**** after I’m ⚰️😂
SPARTANS WHAT IS YOUR PROFESSION....
Onlyfans content creators!!!!
AHH OOO
There was a time we couldn't escape the 300 funk remixes here in Brazil. I miss those times. Also it was super cool to see our Rodrigo Santoro getting a bigger part in north American movies. ❤
"300: Rise Of An Empire begins around 490 BCE and ends in 480 BCE, showing some major battles of the Greco-Persian War. The timeline of Rise Of An Empire is clear, but its ties to 300 are confusing, as it spans events before, during, and after 300"
Loving the energy Aaron ‼️‼️
Omg Aaron is TOO consistently and categorically chill for that intro omfg that was EVERYTHING (ROXY'S FACE DURING THIS IS 1:15 ALSO THE BEES KNEES, THE CAT'S MEOW, THE ELEPHANT'S EYEBROWS, A REEEEAL TOMATO, AS THE KIDS THESE DAYS SAY
Oh and Shame was --*CHEF'S KISS* sooo so good
That smile on Roxy in the beginning.
Swoon.
I don't usually watch reaction vids but I stumbled upon you guys for Red Eye and now I just want to watch movies with you all day ❤.
Queen Gorgo IS REMEMBERED, After the Battles of the Artemisian straight and Battle of Thermopylae which happened at the same time, Queen Gorgo was instrumental in the joining together of ALL of the Greek City States to completely annihilate King Xerxes army at the battle of Platea 1 year after Thermopylae.
Dying for their country was the best honour a spartan could have. Being immortal could even offended them
Intro been hype asf lesssgooo!!!🤣🤣🤣🤣
The borderline supernatural and outlandish aspects of the film are a great way of conveying the themes and legends that spring up around events like this in retellings.
24:22 "Ephialtes", the disabled Spartan's name, means "nightmare" in Greek. He became the nightmare for the 300.
Still means that to this day.
and he lives forever known as the worst thing
@@seanbrookshier1466 it means that because of his betrayal. since then it's been synonymous for nightmare
He is the Benedict Arnold (USA) or Quisling (Norway) of Greece.
Oh! I feel like Aaron and Roxy is a rare combo, but I'm here for it!
The line "10,000 Spartan's commanding 30,000 Free Greeks" ALWAYS sends shivers down my spine, absolute one of the best. This is Zack Snyder's best film.
"Free men should keep men free" barz🔥
That is Spartan quote - "Come home with your shield or on it." Also, over 8,000 Greek soldiers went with the Spartans. Also, there a sea battle component that bottled up the Persian fleet thus denying them access to supplies. The battle lasted three days, costing the Persians between 30,000 and 40,00 men and near the end, the Spartans committed to acting as a rear guard along with 700 Thespian while the others went back to prepare more defenses. As history tells, the whole rear guard died to a man though no in vain. Eventually, the combined Greek armies and fleet won out. As you may know, the Spartans would not have fought as individuals. Their strength was in the Phalanx. And the get that wrong too. They didn't push, left shields and stab. The ranks had different spear lengths so they could stab over the shields. As back rank tired, a new one came in. Supposedly, there a marker at the pass that says, "Go tell the Spartan, stranger passing by, that here, obedient to their laws, we lie."
Best movie 300 line: Come with your shield or on it!! My wife would say this when I put the trach out.
Yes!! This was such a good, fun reaction. Such a great film and I'm glad they both loved it!!
One example as to why this movie isn’t a history movie, is that the Spartans were actually slave owners, the spartan population in their own city was a minority compared to the Slave population who were the majority. The Persians were factually the ones who freed slaves, not the Greeks.
31:07 "I don't have to share my apples."
Oh my God! HAHAHA!
*YOU GUYS NEED TO WATCH THE SEQUEL!!!!!! ITS SO GOOD! And the Parody😂😂*
Fun fact: Daily life and training for the Spartan Hoplight was so hard-core and disciplined, that going to war was almost considered and celebrated as "vacation time" to them.
the abs, the close-ups, the slow-mo and the bling is said to be Dillios hand embellishing the story.
THIS right here, is the tale of the 300 as heard and imagined by the Greeks.
lol no
Plane was surprisingly good, Greenland is Gerard Butler's best movie
44:36, I just can’t unsee him in Van Helsing lol
production: yo zac how many slo mo shots for this movie ?
zac: yes
Great intro
54:08 - Q: "what are we about to see...?"
A: ..."a beautiful death"
😉
I was obsessed with this movie in middle school. It’s so badass!
The Battle with Leonitus was called the battle of Thermopylae where 300 Spartans and some other Greeks held off the Persians to give the rest of Greece time to prepare for war. The Battle was referenced in Tom Cruises' movie The Last Samaria. The Queen's name was Gorgo and in challenges of athletics in dance competition she could jump to her highest point and kick her heals into her gluts with the number of times being counted. Greek History is very fascinating. Check out the Iliad and the Odessey.
15:16 had me rolling 😂😂😂
Andrew Ghai! Oh man…he’s one of the kindest, coolest human-beings out there! Always taking the time to speak/respond to people when possible. And his mother is just an absolute gem as well😊
Great reaction. Aaron was all in at the start and the end Roxy WAS ALL FIRED UP!!!
Y'all gotta react to "Meet the Spartans". Its a spoof of 300. Helluva watch 🔥
You should watch Olympus Has Fallen, London Has Fallen, and Angel Has Fallen if you like the main actor :)
Personal memory of mine, this was one of the first two movies I bought after getting a HD TV and HD DVD player, still to this day I remember seeing the snow fall in this movie and thinking it was the craziest thing I'd ever seen.
I've seen 2nd movie but it's been so long would love to see u do the 2nd this was a pleasure to see show up in the suggestions box ❤
Another good movie staring Gerard Butler is " Law Abiding Citizen " (2009).
“Let’s go to war!”
“Said no one ever.”
Actually lots and lots and lots and lots of people said that. Many, many, many, many, many, many times.
I'm with you, Roxy, Watchmen is excellent. Early synder didnt miss but from sucker punch onwards he's had a disappointing trajectory.
I’m completely shocked you two have not seen 300 even more shocked that Roxi has not. Can’t wait to see this after work.
Facts:
1. King Leonidas was around 60 years old when he fought this battle..!! Also today's military schools, teach his war tactics.. 🔥⚔
2. Efialtis (Εφιάλτης) (The traitor who told Persians the secret passage), actually means "Nightmare" in Greek
3. The phrases below, were actually told by Spartans in that battle
a) Get back with your shield, or on it. (᾿Ή τὰν ἢ ἐπὶ τᾶς)
b) Then we will fight in the shade. (Εἰ ἀποκρυπτόντων τῶν Μήδων τὸν ἥλιον ὑπὸ σκιῇ ἔσοιτο πρὸς αὐτοὺς ἡ μάχη καὶ οὐκ ἐν ἡλίῳ)**
c) Come and get them. (Μολὼν λαβέ) (Actual translation/meaning: "If you find the mental reserves, come and get them")
P.S.: Spartans didn't wore full armor because it was heavy and would make them move slow in the battle.. Also their swords, spears and shields where made from various alloys that made them very superior against other armies..
**Dienekes, disciplined, modest, and laconic, at the age of forty, had declined every proposal for promotion and advancement. He remained at the rank of Enomotarch, commanding 32 or 36 men, because, as he said, "…I only know how to count up to thirty-six!" According to the laws of Lycurgus, he could have avoided participating in the campaign since he had no male children. However, he arranged for one of his slaves to claim she had given birth to his son, allowing him to take part. Besides, he was a dear friend of Leonidas, and they often dined together.
Dienekes had studied fear and asserted, “If we drive it out of the flesh, where it is born, the mind will simply follow.” His fearlessness led him, along with the Olympic champion brothers Alpheus and Maron, the sons of Orsiphantus, on a daring nighttime raid to Xerxes' tent. They nearly assassinated him, but his generals Mardonius and Orontes moved him elsewhere in time. Dienekes ultimately fulfilled the meaning of his name: "the eternal," "the one who lasts forever," "the unstoppable," through his "excellence" on the third day of the battle.
Herodotus describes the furious battle of the Lacedaemonians around the dead body of Leonidas until, after killing Xerxes’ two brothers, Abrocomes and Hyperanthes, they dragged the body towards their side, routing the enemy four times. When they were encircled by the traitor Ephialtes, they retreated to the hill at the entrance of the pass. “...At that very place, they made their final stand, using knives if they still had them, or their hands and teeth, while the barbarians covered them with arrows, not daring to approach them…”
Thus, the tragic truth of the unstoppable warrior Dienekes’ statement was confirmed: “...If the Medes darken the sun, we will fight them in the shade and not in the sunlight...” The brave Greeks fought to the bitter end, “In the Shade.”
It might be a movie, but this really DID HAPPEN, and the one who Leonidas sent back to give the message to the senate and the Queen, died a year later at the battle of Platea, so while 300 Spartans did die at Thermopylae, there was also some Photians, Arcadians, and others who fell at Thermopylae along with some Athenians, along with some of the other Greek City/States that died in the Battle of the Artemisian Straights, all together between all of the Greek City/States that participated in those 2 battles, about 700 Greeks died, 300 of them were Spartan's including their King, but the Persian losses were very very high, estimates range between 225,000 and 300,000 total persians died in those fights, MOST of them at the spears and swords of the Spartan's, Historians have never been able to nail down exact numbers, but King Xerxes paid a very heavy price for those victories, a year later during the Battle of Platea, the unified Greek armies numbering about 40,000 combined, led by the Spartan's, killed another estimated 300,000 Persians, while losing about 1,000 Greeks, thus putting a complete END to ancient Persia as a power on the world stage, the Persian empire never recovered and ultimately collapsed in on itself about 200 years later.
Roxy, you don't HAVE to share your apples, but sharing is caring :)
“I never got to tell my son that I loved him the most”…..kind of a jacked up thing to say 😂