Lycaon (Troy)

In Greek mythology, as recorded in Homer's Iliad, Lycaon (/lˈkən/; Greek: Λυκάων; gen.: Λυκάονος) was a son of Priam[1] and Laothoe, daughter of the Lelegian king Altes.

Mythology

Lycaon lent his cuirass to his brother Paris when he duelled against Menelaus, husband of Helen.[2] On another occasion Apollo took the shape of Lycaon to address Aeneas.[3]

During the Trojan War, Lycaon was captured by Achilles while cutting branches in Priam's orchard. Achilles sold him as a slave to Euneus of Lemnos, but Eetion of Imbros bought him, took him back to Troy, and restored him to his father. [4]

Only twelve days later, he faced Achilles in battle, during Achilles' terrible wrath after the death of Patroclus. Lycaon grasped Achilles' knees and begged for mercy, either in exchange for a ransom or in memory of Patroclus' gentle nature; however, neither argument swayed Achilles, who slew him without pity.[5][6]

See also

References

  1. Pseudo-Apollodorus. Bibliotheca, 3.12.5
  2. Homer. Iliad, 3.333
  3. Homer. Iliad, 20.81
  4. Homer. Iliad, 21.34
  5. Homer. Iliad, 21.85-114
  6. Homer. Iliad, XXI, 35–155.


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