Ancient Wisdom Atlas

Motif

protector transformed into tyrant

protector_transformed_into_tyrant

A motif of the Pride, Hubris, and Downfall family, within the sub-family Usurpation and Corrupted Protectors. Every row below is a tagged passage; each rests on a quote in its source text.

1 occurrences

1 traditions


greek

  • The Republic BOOK V. / BOOK VI. / BOOK VII. / BOOK VIII.; lines 21563-21745 confidence: high

    “This and no other is the root from which a tyrant springs; when he first appears above ground he is a protector.”

    The political champion first appears as a protector and then becomes a tyrant through civic bloodshed, exile and return, bodyguard acquisition, and absolute rule.

    read in the book