E Tan E Epi Tas

[TheVTCGuy]

Need some honest opinons here... For my 50th birthday I had promised myself to get my first ever tattoo (probably my last and only). Being a (so-called) executive Of course it can't be visible, but I was thinking on my left shoulder, and had decided on a simple quote of words. I have give this a LOT of thought... and am pretty close to doing it... but have changed my mind more then once about which of my favorite two quotes I want permananetly placed on my body. It's... it's a pretty big deal for me.

I wanted something getting back to my Greek Heritage, and either the historial battle of Thermopoly in 480 BC, or the legend of Achillies and Troy. I had almost decided on Dionikus's quote to a Persian Lieutenant before the battle of Thermopoly (300 Spartans) "Then we will fight in the shade" But have also really liked the quote expressed by Spartan Mothers and wives to their men as they left for battle: "E Tan E Epi Tas" Loosely translated: "(Return) with this shield or on it" A Spartan warrior that fled the battlefield would have to drop his heavy shield to get away, and if a soldier had been killed in battle, he would be carried back on his shield like a stretcher. The premise was, return victorius or dead, for any other way is dis-honorable.

Since I'm already passed my 51st birthday ( I know.. I know... I'm working up to getting it though) I want to take this big step (all of you with tattoos are laughing at me right now for being such a .... chicken. I understand.

I don't want to bore you with the stories behind the quotes ("our arrows will blot out the sun") but if you (hopefully) can understand just a bit of the connection I feel toward this heritage, and the honor and self-philosophy I am trying to represent, which do you guys think is better?

[threemonkeys]

This is really funny only because I have the same idea of getting a tattoo. In fact, my wife got one last Friday and I'm trying to decide what to get. I've put a lot of thought into it. And the only thing that matters is if you like it and it has some deeper meaning.

How's that for not making your decision easier?

[Grissom]

Paul, I vote "E Tan E Epi Tas"......I like that message better! Remember.......pics or it didn't happen!

[chicfarmer1]

Not a fan of war statements as a tattoo. That great nation of philosophers had plenty to say about life, and in their view, warlike attributes aren't all it took make a good citizen. See, for example, Aristotle...

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by chicfarmer1

Not a fan of war statements as a tattoo. That great nation of philosophers had plenty to say about life, and in their view, warlike attributes aren't all it took make a good citizen. See, for example, Aristotle...

I would agree with Jay on this one, I would personally go with something more deep than a war quote, something about life in general to go with how your life changed in 50 years (wouldn't that have to do with the very fact that you want a tattoo in the first place?). I think the whole idea of getting something like that on your body is great (in my humble opinion) but I think I'd get another quote, that's all (perhaps it's just me though, after all, you must get what you really want my friend).

P.S.: The bicep tattoo could be good but if it's a quote have you thought of having it on your chest instead? I would have the idea of getting it near your heart (again, that's just my opinion).

[Dr. Robert]

Just do a tribal armband tattoo on your bicep.

[MoBe]

I think you need Jocke`s advice on this one.

[Monte Cristo]

assume it's going to be spelt in correct Ancient Greek right...Ή ταν ή επί τας

Another one in keeping with Thermopylae, is μολὼν λαβέ (come take [them])..King Leonidas response to Xerxes demand to lay down their arms.

Maybe a quote by Alexander The Great... There is nothing impossible to him who will try...οὐδὲν τοῖς θαρροῦσιν ἀνάλωτον

[MonBK]

I think you should do: I never made the tosser list

[esm]

"ET phone home"

[The Joker]

Sounds good to me, get it done big guy, and pics.

[figbo]

Tramp stamp?

[lavaman]

I tend to agree that war statements, statements in foreign languages, and corporate icons/logos are an invitation to disaster...


disclosure: I have "Nemo Me Impune Lacessit" on my arm as part of my 9/11 memorial tattoo


obviously it's been eating at you for some time. you will feel alot better once you get it. i think you said you did a paper in college on this subject? but again, it's what it means to YOU.....(and the ICU nurses that have to roll you over when you crap your sack at the nursing home). Have you read any Marcus Aurelius? Or Senaca? There are also some incredible quotes in my favorite book, The Iliad

oh, and since you asked: take a big rubberband, one of the thick ones. pull it all the way back and snap it on your arm. thats about how much it hurts. for about 5 mins. then it goes away and after about 30 mins, you dont even feel it.

not sure what the tattoo license regs are , if any, in CA. In TX they have to be licensed. The reputable ones will open the needle and ink in front of you....

seriously, get what makes you happy Paul. You have certainly earned it.

[DiamondJack]

If I was forced to choose between the two I would go for E Tan E Epi Tas since it at least gives you a chance to explain the meaning.......

Every movie buff that has seen 300 will be aware of the fighting in the shade line... and even though it was a cool line in the film when spoken faced by overwhelming odds and certain death .... I would struggle to see the relevance if I saw it on someones body..... even if they did have Greek heritage.

But I agree with the comments about having something more philosophical ..... but there again, I couldn't think of anything I would want on my body permanently either.

But as you will appreciate, fashions change so quickly and whilst I quite like to see girls lower back tattooed (especially if on a nice body) ..... I'm sure this recent trend of referring to them a "Slut Tags" or "Tramp Stamps" will be making quite a few think again.......

Everytime I think of something I would quite like...... I then try to think what it would look like on me when I'm 60 or 70....... usually makes me re-evaluate ...

[TattooedGQ]

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Since I'm already passed my 51st birthday ( I know.. I know... I'm working up to getting it though) I want to take this big step (all of you with tattoos are laughing at me right now for being such a .... chicken. I understand.

Definitely NOT laughing at you. It's on your body for the rest of your life (barring removal) so it better be something you won't regret. Each of mine has a meaning to me...and not some convoluted "a koi fish means freedom to me even though I'm not Japanese" kind of meaning. So take your time and pick wisely.

Personally I wouldn't get either, unless you consider yourself a warrior....and boardroom wars don't count. If you served in the armed forces go for it, otherwise.......

[Lol-x]

If you are going to get a tattoo, I would suggest that you get a design rather than some words.
By that what I mean is that the native New Zealand Maori or similar type of design. This has a history and you could just get a narrow arm strip or up to a full shoulder/arm design.

http://www.freetattoodesigns.org/

Anyway its up to you.

[looking to buy]

I think there may be a way to help you decide. Go to one of these places that does henna tattoos. Have them put on one of them and then live with it until it wears off. Then go back and have the second phrase put on and live with it until it wears off. By then you should know which one you prefer

[GradyPhilpott]

Don't do it.

[TheVTCGuy]

Thanks everyone Great feedback

Interesting what a couple people said about the "war" theme, I never thought of it that way, literally. I am proud to say I served my country in the military for 12 years (Naval Officer-Pilot) but do not consider myself a violent person. Like some of you other TRFers, I have seen the effects of war, contrary to movies and poems and popular themes, there is nothing Glorious about it. The quotes to me mean something completely different. For example:

"Then we will fight in the shade" to ME anyway, means that no matter what the odds are, however bad things must look, you NEVER give up your honor, your country, your family. (In those days, surrender meant something different, not only would the Persians not kill the Spartans and Greeks, but the Greeks would all have to join the army of the Persians and literally fight AGAINST their country). So, to die is better then sacrifice your honor, family etc.

"E Tan..." To me does not mean "go kill people" (obviously that's what battle is about) but when the Queen said that to Leonidas she knew he was going to his death. What those words meant to ME, (again, this is only my interpretation) was to "give all for your family and country" If you can not defeat the enemy that is threatening all you know and love, then die trying rather then run away.

Both quotes signify give all for your honor, your family, your country, it is better to die then sacrifice those.

Anyway, that's just how I feel about it, but I appreciate everyone's input.

And STOP reminding me I never made the Tosser List!!!!

[FeelingTheBlues]

Originally Posted by GradyPhilpott

Don't do it.

Try to make it shorter Grady, I couldn't read your post to the end!

Originally Posted by TheVTCGuy

Anyway, that's just how I feel about it.

I think that sentence says it all: you must go with your very own feeling and do what you like. We say this often about watches but this is really different, it should mean something to you and it's not something you'll take off whenever you feel like it so you must make sure you do something that's important to you!

Whether I (or we) like the war quotes or not, as long as you do you will be very happy with your tattoo. Then only will I be able to say I am as well!

[Tri-Tip]

I think looking to buy's idea is the best, get each as a henna tattoo and see what you think. Maybe that will get it out of your system, and you won't see a need for a tattoo at all.

There's always the other option of getting the Acropolis tattooed on your back.

[Lisa]

Can't advise or opine. Just wanted to say, "Hi, Paul."

[TheVTCGuy]

Originally Posted by Lisa

Can't advise or opine. Just wanted to say, "Hi, Paul."

Hiiiiiiiiii Lisa.....



Sigh..... she's wonderful......

[wantonebad]

I pass no judgement on anyone and think that a lot of body art is personal and none of my business. For me though, when I was in high-school or even college, what I thought was "cool" or "deep" isn't anymore, at least to me.

Thought provoking quotes, words to live by, or even really cool design can come in to and out of favor, not just with the people reading it but with the owner of the art as well. I am only speaking for myself but I'm glad I never pulled the trigger.

Thank god I didn't get that calf tattoo of the Domino's Pizza Noid, people don't even know who the Noid is anymore...

[TattooedGQ]

Originally Posted by wantonebad

Thank god I didn't get that calf tattoo of the Domino's Pizza Noid, people don't even know who the Noid is anymore...

I remember the Noid!!

[NYC6]

I got one tattoo back in the early 80's when I was in the Fleet. Naval tradition and all. My Frigate was in Portsmouth England and me and some buddies went for them. I was 19-20 at the time and we thought they were cool as anything. It goes with the age group and being a Sailor I think.
Now nearing 50 I wouldnt think about getting one. I dont regret the one I have at all but no interest whatsoever in fresh ink. Seems to me you're really on the fence about it.
Good luck with your decision and if you do it, we'll needs pics of course.

[speedo]

if you can't decide, don't do it.
just my 2c.....

[The Joker]

What about this.

[BarkMaster]

Originally Posted by The Joker

What about this.

[Lisa]

Originally Posted by BarkMaster

This is especially good, because after the breakup (which will be his idea, not mine I am sure) he could connect the "L" and "I" into a "U" and show his love for his country.