Chaerephon

Chaerephon (c. 470/460 – 403/399 BCE) was an Athenian philosopher and a close companion of Socrates. He is primarily known through the writings of Aristophanes, Xenophon, and Plato. Aristophanes, in his comedies like 'The Clouds', portrayed Chaerephon as a pale, malnourished figure, earning him the nickname 'the bat', possibly alluding to his appearance or nocturnal habits. Xenophon, in his 'Memorabilia', lists Chaerephon among Socrates' 'true companions' and recounts an incident where Socrates mediated a dispute between Chaerephon and his brother, Chaerecrates. Plato's dialogues, particularly the 'Apology', depict Chaerephon as a longtime and loyal friend of Socrates. It was Chaerephon who famously consulted the Delphic oracle to determine if anyone was wiser than Socrates, to which the oracle replied in the negative. Plato also suggests Chaerephon's impetuous nature and mentions his exile, potentially indicating his active support for the Athenian Democracy during times of political upheaval. His energetic and engaging personality is consistently noted, making him a recognizable figure in the intellectual circles of ancient Athens.