Pigres

Pigres (c. 6th century BC) of Halicarnassus was a Greek poet of Ancient Greece known for introducing iambic trimetre in poetry. He was either the brother or the son of the celebrated Artemisia, the satrap of Caria, and the queen of the city-state Halicarnassus, which is now in Bodrum, present day Turkey. In Gore Vidal's novel "Creation" he is depicted as Artemisia's brother. He was excluded by her from succession to their father's throne, and lived in fear of her. Suda, the Byzantine encyclopedia, mentioned his name as the author of the "Margites" and the "Batrachomyomachia" (Battle of the Frogs and Mice). However, his authorship of Margites is questioned and more often attributed to Homer. Nevertheless, Bode believed that the Margites, though not composed by Pigres, suffered some alterations at his hands, and came down to us in this form. Margites, a comic epic poem, is about a foolish character. Therefore, his reputation as poet chiefly rests on the Battle of the Frogs and Mice, which is an epic parody, known for his humourous poetical technique. His perspective on human affairs are chiefly satirical, and no direct wisdom and quote survived from him. That is why, the wisdom and quotes attributed to him are largely derived from his works.

Wisdom & Quotes

• The fox knows many tricks, but the hedgehog's trick is the best of all.

- attributed by Zenobius

• Human conflicts, for all its epic pretensions, can often be as foolish and futile.

- attributed on the basis of the Battle of the Frogs and Mice.

• Pride leads to downfall.

- attributed on the basis of the Battle of the Frogs and Mice.

• Even petty conflicts are universal.

- attributed on the basis of the Battle of the Frogs and Mice.

• Muse, for you possess the means of all wisdom.

- a line inserted in his parody of Iliad after the Homer's line "Sing, goddess, of the ruinous wrath of Achilles, son of Peleus"

• O stranger, thou boastest too much. - from the Battle of Frogs and Mice
• Puff-Cheeks dived down, in no wise reflecting what a companion he was about to leave to perish. - from the Battle of Frogs and Mice
• Thou shalt not escape notice, O Puff-Cheeks, having done these things deceitfully. - from the Battle of Frogs and Mice
• O friends, although I alone among the frogs have suffered many ills, yet evil fate is the appointed destiny of all. - from the Battle of Frogs and Mice
• O frogs, the mice, threatening you, have sent me to bid you be armed for war and battle. - from the Battle of Frogs and Mice

Vyas