Myrmidon

MUR-mi-dhan

Definition: a devoted follower or servant who obeys without question or scruple.

Origin

This great noun originates from the Greek Myrmidon, one of the legendary Thessalian people who accompanied Achilles to the Trojan war; they were known for their ruthless obedience.

Why this word?

Blind followers and yes-men were, are and will forever remain a broad phenomenon rising variety of different feelings in different people. This is a great word to have for this sort of people as the mythological Myrmidons lived and died for Achilles, so in any case in which you need the sense of a follower in an exaggerated way- this is your word!

How to use myrmidon?

Myrmidon is a simple noun, we use it as such but we must remember the very strong sense to this word, thus we shouldn’t use it to describe any sort of a follower.

“Since George was nominated to the board, he had fired each and every thinking person in this firm. He wants to be the only one leading thinker and is not interested in employees but in myrmidons“.

“Hitler loved having myrmidons under his control as he needed to know his orders will be executed blindly“.