Lycaon (son of Priam)

For other uses, see Lycaon (mythology).

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

Illustration of Lycaon on an amphora in preparation for battle

Mythology

Lycaon was the half-brother of Hector.

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, ruler 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]

Namesake

• 4792 Lykaon, Jovian asteroid named after Lycaon

See also

• List of children of Priam