ANTIGONE OF PHTHIA IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Antigone of Phthia in Greek Mythology
Antigone was a princess of Phthia in Greek mythology, famous for being the first wife of the Greek hero Peleus.
Antigone of Phthia
Antigone was born in Phthia, a daughter of Eurytion, the King of Phthia, and a grandson or great-grandson of Zeus.
During the period of Eurytion’s rule, Peleus came to Phthia for he had been exiled from Aegina after the murder of Phocus. Peleus sought absolution, and Eurytion willingly did so for the son of Aeacus.
So taken was Eurytion with Peleus, that the king gave the newcomer a third of his kingdom, as well as the hand of Antigone in marriage.
It was commonly said that the marriage of Peleus and Antigone brought forth a daughter, Polydora; Polydora was said by some to be mother of Menesthius, a leader of Myrmidons at Troy.
During the period of Eurytion’s rule, Peleus came to Phthia for he had been exiled from Aegina after the murder of Phocus. Peleus sought absolution, and Eurytion willingly did so for the son of Aeacus.
So taken was Eurytion with Peleus, that the king gave the newcomer a third of his kingdom, as well as the hand of Antigone in marriage.
It was commonly said that the marriage of Peleus and Antigone brought forth a daughter, Polydora; Polydora was said by some to be mother of Menesthius, a leader of Myrmidons at Troy.
The Death of Antigone
There was though, no happy ending for Peleus and Antigone, for Peleus departed for heroic quests retrieving the Golden Fleece from Colchis, and then ridding Claydon of its monstrous Boar. During this latter adventure Peleus accidentally killed Antigone’s father, Eurytion.
Peleus sought absolution for his crime in the court of Acastus at Iolcus. Acastus’ wife, Astydameia sought to seduce Peleus, Peleus though, rejected her advances. In revenge, Astydameia went to her husband, and accused Peleus of attempting to rape her. At the same time, Astydameia sent word to Antigone in Phthia claiming that Peleus was to marry one of Acastus’ daughters.
When Antigone received this news, she committed suicide hanging herself.
Peleus sought absolution for his crime in the court of Acastus at Iolcus. Acastus’ wife, Astydameia sought to seduce Peleus, Peleus though, rejected her advances. In revenge, Astydameia went to her husband, and accused Peleus of attempting to rape her. At the same time, Astydameia sent word to Antigone in Phthia claiming that Peleus was to marry one of Acastus’ daughters.
When Antigone received this news, she committed suicide hanging herself.
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Colin Quartermain - Antigone of Phthia - 31st July 2021