Plutarch's Lives, Vol. 1

Plutarch begins his biography of Pelopidas by reflecting on the true nature of bravery, saying that real bravery does not mean that one does not value one’s life. Thus, a good general should know that he depends on the men he is leading, and vice versa, and should value his life accordingly. The Theban general Pelopidas, like the Roman Marcellus, throws away his life in battle.

Plutarch gives an overview of Pelopidas’s early life and upbringing. Though born to a wealthy family, Pelopidas is not greedy himself but displays exceptional courage, intelligence, and integrity from a young age. He becomes close friends with Epaminondas, a Theban military man from a poor family. He marries young and has children, but he prioritizes his duties to Thebes over his family.

Pelopidas and Epaminondas both fight bravely as Spartan allies at the Battle of Mantinea, where some say they first met. The Spartans become suspicious of Pelopidas’s influence in Thebes because of his political leanings and drive him and other important Thebans out of the city. Pelopidas becomes the leader of the exiles. With the support of the Athenians as well as some of the Thebans inside the city (including his friend Epaminondas), they plot to overthrow the new pro-Spartan government.