LAODAMIA IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Laodamia was a reoccurring name in Greek mythology, with one such woman, named Laodamia being Queen of Phylace, and wife of Protesilaus.
laodamia Daughter of Acastus
Laodamia was the daughter of King Acastus of Iolcus, and Acastus’ wife, Astydameia. Acastus was the son of Pelias, and one of the Argonauts, whilst Astydameia was a woman infatuated with the Greek hero Peleus.
Laodamia Wife of Protesilaus
When of age Laodamia would marry Protesilaus, the son of Iphiclus, another Arognaut; Protesilaus was also grandson of Phylacos, the founder of Phylace. Some tell of Protesilaus’ wife being not Laodamia though, but rather Polydora, daughter of Meleager.
Protesilaus Goes to Troy
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Previous to the marriage with Laodamia though, Protesilaus had been one of those who had vied for the hand of Helen, and was thus bound by the Oath of Tyndareus, to protect Menelaus, the chosen husband of Helen.
The Oath of Tyndareus meant that that Protesilaus was duty bound to lead the Phylaceans to Troy, and when Protesilaus was the first to set foot upon the Troad, a prophecy came true, for Protesilaus was the first of the Achaean heroes to die during the Trojan War. |
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The Grief of Laodamia
News of the death of Protesilaus would eventually reach Laodamia, who was naturally overcome by grief. The gods observed Laodamia’s loss, and Hermes was instructed to bring Protesilaus back from the underworld, but only for three hours; and so, Laodamia and Protesilaus were joined once more.
The three hours were soon over though, and Hermes would return Protesilaus to the realm of Hades once again.
Grief returned to Laodamia, and so overwhelming was it, that Laodamia was said to have committed suicide, stabbing herself.
The three hours were soon over though, and Hermes would return Protesilaus to the realm of Hades once again.
Grief returned to Laodamia, and so overwhelming was it, that Laodamia was said to have committed suicide, stabbing herself.
Laodamia - George William Joy (1844–1925) - PD-art-100
The Death of Laodamia
Hyginus, in the Fabulae would expand slightly upon the myth of Laodamia, especially upon the demise of the Queen of Phylace. Stating that, initially, Laodamia did not kill herself, but instead dealt with her grief by having a statue, of bronze or wax, constructed in secret. This statue was the exact likeness of Protesilaus, and Laodamia treated it as if it were her husband.
Eventually though, her father, Acastus found out and believing that his daughter was torturing herself unnecessary had the statue of Protesilaus thrown onto a fire. As the statue melted away, Laodamia threw herself upon the fire, and she was burned to death; but Laodamia and Protesilaus were then reunited in the Afterlife.
The tale of Hyginus though does assume that Acastus was alive during the Trojan War, although most tales tell of his death years previously when Jason, Peleus and the Dioscuri had invaded Iolcus.
Eventually though, her father, Acastus found out and believing that his daughter was torturing herself unnecessary had the statue of Protesilaus thrown onto a fire. As the statue melted away, Laodamia threw herself upon the fire, and she was burned to death; but Laodamia and Protesilaus were then reunited in the Afterlife.
The tale of Hyginus though does assume that Acastus was alive during the Trojan War, although most tales tell of his death years previously when Jason, Peleus and the Dioscuri had invaded Iolcus.
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