Yiannis Gounaris is, at least in the popular consciousness, an obscure figure of the Greek Revolution of 1821.
Hailing from Ioannina, he was employed by Omer Vryoni as his official hunter and accompanied him to Missolonghi, which was besieged by Vryoni in 1822. Unable to overcome the town’s defences, Vryoni resolved on a night attack during Christmas, when it was expected that the defending Greeks would be at their most vulnerable. Overhearing the Ottomans discussing the plan, Gounaris was faced with a dilemma. His wife and children were being held hostage for his good behaviour in Arta. Should he keep quiet, thus maintaining his family in safety, or should he find a way to alert the besieged Greeks of their ultimate doom? Ultimately, he chose the latter. When the Ottomans sprung their “surprise” attack, the Greeks were waiting for them. The attack was repulsed and Missolonghi stood, only to fall four years later.