Damon and Phintias were two Pythagorean philosophers from the city of Syracuse in Sicily during the 4th century BCE. They are not remembered for writing any philosophical texts, but for a single legendary story that became a famous example of ideal friendship.

According to tradition, the story took place under the rule of the Syracusan tyrant Dionysius. Phintias was condemned to death for allegedly plotting against the ruler. He asked for a temporary release to put his personal affairs in order, offering his friend Damon as a hostage who would be executed if he did not return. Damon agreed to this arrangement. Phintias returned just in time to save Damon, and the tyrant, amazed by their extraordinary loyalty, pardoned Phintias. The historical truth of the individuals and the event is uncertain, as the tale was primarily told as a moral lesson. Their names are sometimes given as Damon and Pythias, which may reflect a different version of the story.

They left no written works. Their entire legacy comes from the anecdote, which was recorded by later ancient authors like Cicero and Diodorus Siculus.

Their significance lies in becoming a proverbial symbol of perfect trust and self-sacrificing friendship. According to modern scholars, their story was used in antiquity to illustrate key Pythagorean ethical ideals, such as the belief that a friend is a second self and the supreme importance of keeping one's word. The legend has endured in Western culture as a powerful example of loyalty.