Who Is More Badass: Leonidas VS Themistocles?

Credit: Warner Bros.

Films: 300, 300: Rise of an Empire.

Zack Snyder's epic interpretation of the Battle of Thermopylae in 300 showed us the unmatched strength, courage and honor of the Spartans. But mostly, 300 glorified Sparta's fearless king Leonidas. Portrayed by Gerard Butler, Leonidas is a ripped and bearded badass who delivers quick deaths and memorable punchlines.



What Leonidas lacks in diplomacy, our next contender more than makes up for it with his grand vision of a united Greece. Themistocles is an Athenian general who is as good at politics as he is with his sword. Played by Sullivan Stapleton [special shoutout to all Strike Back fans], Themistocles is the commander of the Athenian navy fleet, which later includes the rest of the Greek city-states.



So, let's have a quick comparison. Although one is a king and the other merely a general, Leonidas and Themistocles are equally respected commanders. Despite his royal status, the former has received the same harsh treatment and rigorous training as the other soldiers in Sparta. But not only does he fight shoulder-to-shoulder with his men, Leonidas literally leads his army of 300.



So far, the same characteristics also apply to Themistocles. He is great with the sword, too, if not even better. Personally, I found the fight scenes in 300: Rise of an Empire more beautifully executed. That's why I'd cast my vote for Themistocles on this one. However, fighting is not his only strength.



In terms of military tactics, Themistocles seems to have the upper hand. He is a navy fleet commander, after all. Themistocles knows his way around a ship, the sea and parliament. That makes him a great leader. He united Greece and successfully led the nation's navy fleet into victory.





So who do you thinks is more badass: Leonidas or Themistocles?

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Posted in: Current Affairs