Koalemos is the spirit of foolishness, the god of stupidity. In ancient Greek mythology, a daemon known as Koalemos was characterized as a “blood-drinker,” “demanding,” and “foolish.” It is highly probable that this daemon (daimon) has some connection to the Kobaloi, daemons in the retinue of the god Dionysus, as referenced by Aristophanes:
“Come, make supplication and offer a libation to Koalemos, the god of foolishness, and make sure to fight vigorously. (Aristophanes).”
Etymology
In Greek mythology, Koalemos (in Ancient Greek Κοάλεμος / Koálemos) is a daemon personifying stupidity, mentioned by Aristophanes.
The word κοάλεμος / koálemos, of pre-Greek origin, means “idiot.” It is a nickname given to Cimon by Plutarch and to Hipponicos Ammon by Aeschines the Socratic.
The name Κοάλεμος is supposed to have originated from the words κοέω (romanized: koeô, to watch or perceive) and ἡλεός (romanized: eleôs, foolish, mad). However, this etymology is not proven.
Myth
Koalemos is a daemon — a spirit, a minor deity — personifying stupidity. Aristophanes mentions him twice in “The Knights” to criticize “the Paphlagonian,” Cleon. He was cited twice in primary sources. One by Aristophanes in The Knights and the other by Plutarch in Parallel Lives.
In Greek mythology, Koalemos was the god who represented foolishness, recklessness, ignorance, foolishness, or stupidity. He is sometimes referred to more as a daimon, than as a spirit and minor deity.
