ASTYDAMIA IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Astydamia in Greek Mythology
Astydamia was a queen spoken of in Greek mythology. Married to Acastus, Astydamia would therefore be the Queen of Iolcus.
Astydamia Daughter of Cretheus
Astydamia was named as the wife of Acastus, son of Pelias. The wife of Acastus is also named as Hippolyte, but a presumption is made that Hippolyte is just an alternative name for Astydamia.
In this case, Astydamia was therefore probably the daughter of Cretheus and Tyro, and thus, brother to Aeson, Pheres, and Amythaon.
In this case, Astydamia was therefore probably the daughter of Cretheus and Tyro, and thus, brother to Aeson, Pheres, and Amythaon.
Queen AstydamiaPelias would be killed after the return of the Argonauts to Iolcus, and thus, as Acastus succeeded his father, Astydamia would become Queen of Iolcus.
Astydamia would become mother to three daughters, Sthenele, Laodamia and Sterope. Sthenele would become mother of Patroclus by Menoetius, and Laodamia would become wife of Protesilaus. |
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Astydamia and Peleus
Astydamia would be most famous though, for events when Peleus came to Acastus’ court.
Peleus would seek absolution for a crime, for he had accidentally killed his father-in-law, Eurytion, during the Calydonian Hunt. Acastus would willingly purify Peleus for this.
Astydamia though, became infatuated with her husband’s guest, and sought to seduce the Greek hero.
Peleus would seek absolution for a crime, for he had accidentally killed his father-in-law, Eurytion, during the Calydonian Hunt. Acastus would willingly purify Peleus for this.
Astydamia though, became infatuated with her husband’s guest, and sought to seduce the Greek hero.
Astydamia Makes A False Accusation
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When Peleus rejected her advances, Astydamia sought her revenge. Firstly, Astydamia sent a letter to Antigone, Peleus’ wife, saying, untruthfully, that Peleus was now to reject her, for Peleus was to marry Astydamia’s daughter, Sterope. When the letter arrived with Antigone, Peleus’ wife committed suicide.
Then, Astydamia went to her husband, and told him that Peleus had attempted to rape her. Acastus would believe his wife, but knowing that killing his guest could bring forth the Erinyes, Acastus took Peleus upon a hunting trip upon Mount Pelion. Acastus would abandon Peleus upon the mountain, unarmed, whilst Peleus slept, believing that the wild centaurs on the mountain would kill Peleus. Peleus though, was saved by Chiron. The Death of AstydamiaPeleus would return to Iolcus at the head of an army, when he was joined by Castor and Pollox, and Jason. Peleus now sought revenge upon the woman who had caused his wife to die.
Iolcus would fall to Peleus, and having caught Astydamia, the Queen of Iolcus was killed, with body quartered. Peleus then led the army between the dismembered limbs. Some say of Astydamia’s husband, Acastus, being killed at the same time, though others tell of him remaining king for a while longer. |
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Colin Quartermain - Astydamia - 26th February 2020