A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

23. Of PHALERON in Attica, a very ardent and zealous friend and follower of Socrates (Xen. Apol. Socr. § 28, Mem. 3.11.17), but unable with all his attachment to understand the real worth of his master. He was naturally inclined to dwell upon the dark side of things, and thus became discontented and morose. though he had not the courage to struggle manfully for what was good. This brought upon him the nickname of μανικὸς, or the eccentric man. (Plat. Sympos. p. 173 D.) When Socrates was going to die, Apollodorus lost all controul over himself, and gave himself up to tears and loud lamentations. (Plat. Phaed. p. 117, D.) Aelian (Ael. VH 1.16) relates a droll anecdote, according to which Apollodorus offered to Socrates before his death a suit of fine clothes, that he might die respectably. Apollodorus occurs in several of Plato's dialogues, but the passage which gives the most lively picture of the man is in the Symposium, p. 173, &c. Compare T. A. Wolf, Praefat. ad Sympos. p. 41.