Myrmidons

in Grecian legend, a warlike people of Thessaly. They were the descendants of Myrmidon, a reputed son of Zeus. The name means ants. According to one version Zeus created the Myrmidons by transforming ants into men. Their warriors accompanied Achilles to the siege of Troy. The fidelity of these men to their leader was such that the term myrmidons has become a synonym for those who follow and execute commands without question or scruple. Thus the newspaper writer calls policemen, sheriffs, and other officers, "myrmidons of the law."