Leonidas & Ephialtes: The Flaw in the Phalanx
from 300
Written by Zack Snyder, Kurt Johnstad, Michael B. Gordon
Ephialtes, a deformed Spartan outcast, pleads with King Leonidas to let him fight alongside the 300 to reclaim his family's honor. Leonidas is forced to reject him because Ephialtes' physical limitations prevent him from holding his shield high enough to protect the man next to him in the phalanx formation. The rejection leaves Ephialtes devastated and resentful, creating a pivotal moment of emotional stakes for both characters.
LEONIDAS: Your father should have taught you how our Phalanx works. We fight as a single impenetrable unit. That is the source of our strength.
EPHIALTES: I will kill many Persians!
LEONIDAS: Raise your shield! Raise your shield as high as you can.
EPHIALTES: Sir?
LEONIDAS: Each Spartan protects the
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