CADMEAN VICTORIES Meaning and
Definition
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Cadmean victories, also known as Pyrrhic victories or Pyrrhic successes, are a term originating from Greek mythology that refers to triumphs or successes that come at an extremely high cost or loss. Derived from the mythological tale of Cadmus, the phrase signifies a win obtained through immense sacrifice or devastation.
The term "cadmean" represents the renowned Greek hero Cadmus, who, according to legend, slew a dragon guarding a sacred spring. However, he was later informed by a serpent that the gods were infuriated by the act. The gods then cursed the entire family of Cadmus, leading to disastrous consequences and hardships.
In contemporary usage, the concept of cadmean victories is often applied to situations where the price of victory outweighs its benefits. It suggests that despite achieving success in a particular endeavor, the attainment comes at a significant loss, such as high casualties, extensive damage, or long-term negative consequences. This phrase emphasizes the Pyrrhic nature of victories, where the cost of achieving the goal is so detrimental that it diminishes the value or significance of winning.
Cadmean victories are commonly associated with military engagements or strategic decisions that result in notable casualties or detrimental long-term impacts, thereby questioning whether the victory was truly worthwhile. However, the term can also extend beyond battles to encompass various facets of life, including politics, business, personal relationships, or any scenario where the costs incurred overshadow the gains achieved.
Common Misspellings for CADMEAN VICTORIES
- xadmean victories
- vadmean victories
- fadmean victories
- dadmean victories
- czdmean victories
- csdmean victories
- cwdmean victories
- cqdmean victories
- casmean victories
- caxmean victories
- cacmean victories
- cafmean victories
- carmean victories
- caemean victories
- cadnean victories
- cadkean victories
- cadjean victories
- cadmwan victories
- cadmsan victories
- cadmdan victories
Etymology of CADMEAN VICTORIES
The term "Cadmean victories" has its roots in Greek mythology, specifically the story of Cadmus, the legendary founder of Thebes. According to Greek mythology, Cadmus went on a quest to find his sister Europa, who had been abducted by Zeus in the form of a bull. When Cadmus reached the land of Boeotia, he consulted the Oracle of Delphi, who instructed him to follow a cow and build a city wherever it lay down to rest.
Cadmus obeyed the Oracle's command and eventually the cow lay down in a particular spot. Cadmus then ordered his men to fetch water from a nearby spring, but unfortunately, the spring was sacred to the god Ares, and guarded by a dragon. During the ensuing conflict, Cadmus, along with five of his men, killed the dragon, but all except Cadmus perished.
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