τμητήρ → destroyer, one who cuts, one who severs, cutter, severer

[azitimist]

τμητήρ
I am trying to understand the etymology and the relationship between the meanings of this word. It could be translated as a 'hero', 'iron' adj., 'one who cuts or severs, destroyer', the one who cuts or divides', 'the one who destroys, destroys, with iron', 'καταστρεπτικός, τμητὴρ σίδηρος'. Probably, the problem I am having is to understand the relationship between 'hero', 'iron' and 'destruction'. Could anybody comment on it, please?
Also, if you'd know the first known use of the word, please? Thank you.

[spiros]

Hi, not sure where you get the "hero" translation. "Τμητήρ" derives from the word "τέμνω" (cut, sever). "Σίδηρος τμητήρ" is on the metaphorical side "sword of destruction", when you sever something/someone into pieces, you inevitably destroy it/them. On the same note, one who cuts the enemies into pieces, can be perceived as a hero.

[azitimist]

Hi, thank you for the detailed explanation.
The 'hero' (ῆρος) translation comes from here: Τμητήρ

-- English (LSJ) ῆρος, ὁ, one who cuts or severs, destroyer, Nonn. D. 26.303: c. gen., ib.14.311: as adjective, σίδηρος ib.13.481.
--German (Pape) ῆρος, ὁ, der Schneidende, Hauende, Zerstörende, Nonn.
-- Greek (Liddell-Scott) τμητήρ: ῆρος, ὁ, τέμνων ἢ χωρίζων, ὁ καταστρέφων, καταστροφεύς, σιδήρῳ Νόνν. Εὐαγγ. κ. Ἰω. 7. 91.
Thank you!

[spiros]

The -ῆρος bit is the genitive suffix, τμητήρ → τμητῆρος. The correct spelling of hero is ἥρως.

[azitimist]

Thank you very much for your help!