Xerxes in Popular Culture: From 300 to Assassin’s Creed
From epic battles to assassination plots, Xerxes has been depicted in a variety of ways in popular culture. This Persian king, who ruled from 486-465 BC, is often characterized as a tyrant, a conqueror, and a divine figure. In this article, we’ll explore how Xerxes has been portrayed in popular culture throughout the years, from movies to video games.
Xerxes in 300
Arguably the most well-known portrayal of Xerxes is in the 2006 movie 300. Directed by Zack Snyder, the film depicts the Battle of Thermopylae in 480 BC, in which King Leonidas and 300 Spartans hold off the Persian army led by Xerxes. In this movie, Xerxes is portrayed as a towering, gold-covered figure with an androgynous appearance. He’s depicted as arrogant and ruthless, with a god-like demeanor. This depiction of Xerxes has been criticized for its historically inaccurate portrayal of the king and its xenophobic undertones.
Xerxes in Assassin’s Creed
Xerxes also appears in the 2018 video game Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. In the game, players have the opportunity to explore Ancient Greece and interact with historical figures, including Xerxes. Although Xerxes only appears briefly in the game, he’s depicted as a powerful, strategic leader with a keen interest in the Isu, a technologically advanced civilization that predates humanity. Xerxes is shown as a ruler who’s willing to make difficult decisions in order to achieve his goals.
Other Portrayals of Xerxes
Xerxes has also been depicted in other mediums, such as literature and theater. In Aeschylus’s play The Persians, which was written in 472 BC, Xerxes is portrayed as a defeated and humbled king who’s confronted by the ghosts of his fallen soldiers. This play is one of the earliest known depictions of Xerxes in popular culture.
In the 2004 novel Gates of Fire by Steven Pressfield, which is based on the Battle of Thermopylae, Xerxes is characterized as a fearful and insecure ruler who’s constantly seeking validation. This portrayal of Xerxes is more complex than the one in 300, as it shows the king grappling with his own inner demons.
Conclusion
Xerxes has been portrayed in a variety of ways in popular culture, from the arrogant god-king in 300 to the determined strategist in Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. While these portrayals may not always be historically accurate, they offer insight into how Xerxes has been perceived throughout the years. By examining these portrayals, we can gain a better understanding of the enduring legacy of this Persian king.
