DOLON (Trojan soldier)

Hector praised Dolon for his patriotic service and promised him the bronze-decked chariot and horses of the son of Peleus as payment for his scouting mission.^3,2,5 Dolon volunteered to spy on the Greek ships and report on their plans, requesting a fitting reward for this dangerous task.^5,7 He refused to marry a daughter of Priam because it was above his station, and he asked Hector to kill the Achaean captains except Menelaus.³ Dolon vowed to kill either Odysseus or the son of Tydeus and promised to return home before dawn with blood on his hands.⁸

Dolon wore a ferret skin cap and a grey wolf-skin garment, which in one account was fastened about the back with the brute's gaping jaws over the head.^8,9,10 He possessed a bow and a long spear, and he moved on all-fours in imitation of a wolf's gait to puzzle the enemy near trenches and barriers.^9,10,8 Whenever he came to a deserted spot, he walked on two feet, and he made all speed on his way after leaving his horses and troops behind.^8,9 Hector ordered Dolon to move through the darkness of the night to approach the enemy forces closely, checking if the Greek ships remained guarded.¹¹ Dolon was tricked by Hector into leaving his better judgment aside, and he swore an oath that proved useless but increased his eagerness to proceed.^11,9

Dolon passed by the hidden warriors without suspecting their presence, assuming the footsteps he heard were Trojan friends sent by Hector.¹² Odysseus noticed Dolon's approach, identified him as a potential spy or thief, and suggested waiting for him to pass before capturing him.⁹ Upon realizing they were enemies, Dolon fled toward the ships and nearly reached the outposts before being stopped.¹² The son of Tydeus sprang forward with a spear and threatened to kill him if he did not stand, and he was pursued and cut off from his own people by the son of Tydeus and Odysseus.¹² Dolon was captured and held by the Greek forces, and his limbs trembled beneath him while speaking.^13,11

Dolon provided useful intelligence to the Greek warriors, revealing the specific locations of various allied troops within the Trojan camp.^14,13,1 He stated that the Trojan army used watchfires instead of a dedicated guard unit, and that the Trojan allies were asleep while the Trojans kept watch.¹⁵ Dolon provided information about Rhesus, describing the appearance and equipment of Rhesus's horses and chariot, and revealed the location of Hector and the Trojan council.^14,16,15,17 He requested to be bound securely until his information was verified, but he was forced to reveal the secret plans of Troy before being slain.^14,4 Dolon attempted to grab Diomedes by the beard to plead for his life, yet Diomedes severed the sinews in his neck with his sword.¹⁰ Odysseus and Diomed killed Dolon after he gave them information, and his spoils were taken by the Greek heroes.^18,1,17 His spoils were stained with blood when displayed by Odysseus, who hung them on the stern of his ship and dedicated them to Athena.^19,10 Dolon was defeated through the use of guile, and his unwarlike nature was evident in his final moments.^20,6