Messenger (300)
Background
Messenger is a messenger for the Persian King Xerxes.
During the events of 300 (2006) played by Peter Mensah
Messenger rides with a group of Persians to Sparta. When he arrives he pulls a handful of crowned skulls from his saddlebag and shows them to the Spartans nearby. Theron and the Messenger walk to the palace along with the Messenger's Persian bodyguards. Theron introduces the Messenger to Leonidas and before the Messenger speaks, Leonidas warns him that everyone, even a king's messenger is held accountable for what they say. The Messenger tells Leonidas about the greatness of Xerxes and his armies and that all that he requires from Leonidas is earth and water as a token of Sparta's submission to Xerxes. Leonidas tells the Messenger that if the philosopher Athenians have already rejected Xerxes demands, then due to their reputation, the Spartans must also. The Messenger stops Leonidas and warns him to choose his words carefully as they might be his last as king. He pulls out his sword, and after the Messenger tells him what Leonidas is doing is madness, Leonidas yells "this is Sparta" and kicks the Messenger in a well, followed by his Persian bodyguards.