LEONTEUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Leonteus was a Lapith, today most famous for appearing in the Iliad, for Leonteus fought in the Achaean army at Troy.
Leontues Son of CoronusLeonteus was the son of Coronus, potentially born to a woman named Cleobule; Leonteus was thus perhaps brother to Lysidice.
Leonteus’ father was King of the Lapiths, although this title is not directly ever given to Leonteus, at least in surviving sources. Coronus was killed in a war with Heracles, so it might be assumed that Leonteus was thus king afterwards. |
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In any case, Leonteus’ standing was sufficient to be invited to Sparta, by King Tyndareus, when a suitable husband was required for Helen; for most sources tell of Leonteus being a Suitor of Helen. As such, having taken the Oath of Tyndareus, Leonteus was duty bound to protect Menelaus, Helen’s new husband.
Leonteus at Troy and Beyond
Thus it was that Leonteus, along with his close friend, Polypoetes, son of Pirithous, brought forth 40 ships of Lapiths to Aulis, when Agamemnon brought together the Achaean fleet.
At Troy, at least in Homer’s Iliad, Leonteus is at the core of much of the fighting, for he kills five named Trojan defenders; Hippomachus, with a spear through the stomach; Antiphates, with a sword strike,; Menon, Iamenus and Orestes.
Leonteus was also said to have also competed at the funeral games of Patroclus.
Leonteus also played an active role in the Trojan War, after the Iliad ends, for Leonteus is commonly recorded as being with the Wooden Horse, when it was wheeled by jubilant Trojans into their city. This act of course ultimately brought about the end of the Trojan War, for Leonteus and the other Achaean heroes inside, slipped out of the horse at night, opened the gates, and brought about the Sacking of Troy.
Little is said of Leonteus after the Trojan War, although some tell of Leonteus, and Polypoetes, burying Calchas in Colophon, and competing in the subsequent funeral games.
At Troy, at least in Homer’s Iliad, Leonteus is at the core of much of the fighting, for he kills five named Trojan defenders; Hippomachus, with a spear through the stomach; Antiphates, with a sword strike,; Menon, Iamenus and Orestes.
Leonteus was also said to have also competed at the funeral games of Patroclus.
Leonteus also played an active role in the Trojan War, after the Iliad ends, for Leonteus is commonly recorded as being with the Wooden Horse, when it was wheeled by jubilant Trojans into their city. This act of course ultimately brought about the end of the Trojan War, for Leonteus and the other Achaean heroes inside, slipped out of the horse at night, opened the gates, and brought about the Sacking of Troy.
Little is said of Leonteus after the Trojan War, although some tell of Leonteus, and Polypoetes, burying Calchas in Colophon, and competing in the subsequent funeral games.
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Colin Quartermain - Leonteus - 20th September 2025