POLYPOETES IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY

Polypoetes was a Greek hero from the tales of Greek mythology. A Lapith, Polypoetes was a noted combatant during the Trojan War, fighting on the side of the Achaeans. 

​Polypoetes son of Pirithous

​Polypoetes was the son of one of Ancient Greece’s most famous heroes, Pirithous; born to Pirithous’ wife Hippodamia. Pirithous was King of the Lapiths, as well as being a noted hero. 

When Polypoetes was extremely young, his mother, Hippodamia died; and soon he was abandoned by his father, for Pirithous sought a new wife, and made the rash decision that this would be Persephone, wife of Hades. Pirithous was subsequently trapped for all eternity in the Underworld.

​Polypoetes a Suitor of Helen

​Polypoetes could be regarded as a minor figure in Greek mythology, but he is linked to many of the most famous events, especially the events surrounding the Trojan War. 

All of the tales of Polypoetes, saw the Lapith in the company of his friend Leonteus, son of Caeneus. 

Whilst not explicitly named as King of the Lapiths, it might be assumed that when of age, Polypoetes did become king, for such was his standing that he was invited to Sparta, when King Tyndareus sought a suitable wife for Helen. Thus, Polypoetes is commonly named as a Suitor of Helen. 

Of course, Menelaus, was chosen to be Helen’s husband, but having taken the Oath of Tyndareus, Polypoetes was now honour bound to defend Menelaus. 

​Polypoetes at Troy

​Polypoetes was closely linked to the polis of Gyrtone, a town of Thessaly between the two rivers named Peneius and Titaresius. At Aulis, Polypoetes, and Leonteus, were said to have brought 40 ships of Lapiths to join Agamemnon’s growing army; with men gathered from Gyrtone, amongst other named places. 

Polypoetes was credited by Homer with killing five named Trojan defenders; Astyalus, Damasus, Dresaeus, Ormenus and Pylon. 

As well as fighting skills, Polypoetes was also known for his athletic abilities, and in the funeral games for Patroclus, Polypoetes was credited with throwing the quoit the furthest, beating Ajax the Great. This success would see Polypoetes with five years supply of iron. 

Some also tell of Polypoetes finishing second, behind Ajax the Lesser, in the long distance running race. 

Polypoetes is commonly named amongst the heroes who hid in the Wooden Horse; and was thus pivotal to the ruse that brought about the end of the Trojan War.

​For when the Wooden Horse was taken inside Troy’s walls, Polypoetes was one of those who excreted themselves after nightfall, starting the Sacking of Troy. 

​Polypoetes after the Trojan War

After the end of the Trojan War, many of the Achaean heroes suffered great hardship as they returned home onboard there ships. There was no such trouble for Polypoetes though, for he departed Troy on foot, along with the likes of Leonteus, Calchas, Amphilochus and Podalirius.

All would eventually make it to Colphon, although this proved to be where the journey for Calchas ended, for he died after a battle of abilities with Mospsus. Polypoetes was said to have buried Calchas, as well as taking part in the funeral games, held in Calchas’ honour. 

It was also at about this time that Polypoetes, and Leonteus, may have founded the city of Aspendus, in Antalya. 

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Colin Quartermain - Polypoetes - 4th May 2026