TELEUTAS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Teleutas was a minor king of Greek mythology mentioned in passing in events surrounding the Trojan War; for Teleutas was the father of Tecmessa.
Teleutas King of Phrygia
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Teleutas was a king of Phrygia in the time of the Trojan War. Phrygia being a kingdom situated in central Anatolia; although historic sources do not mention the city, or region, of Phyrgia which was ruled by Teleutas.
During the Trojan War, Phrygia as a whole was allied to King Priam’s Troy, and Phrygian forces, led by the likes of Ascanius and Phorcys, were present amongst the defenders of Troy. |
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Teleutas and Ajax the Great
When Troy failed to fall to the Achaean forces quickly, the Achaean’s set their sights on surrounding areas, and many were attacked and pillaged by the forces of Agamemnon.
It was during a raid of Ajax the Great, son of Telamon, that Teleutas was mentioned, for it was his kingdom that was attacked, and plundered.
Dictys Cretansis tells of Ajax killing Teleutas, whilst Sophocles tells of the king surviving the raid. In both cases though, Teleutas’ daughter, Tecmessa, is taken, and upon arrival at the Achaean camp, becomes the prize of Ajax.
This tale of course mirrors other tales, such as Achilles’ capture of Briseis from Lyrnessus and Agamemnon’s taking of Chryseis from Thebe.
It was during a raid of Ajax the Great, son of Telamon, that Teleutas was mentioned, for it was his kingdom that was attacked, and plundered.
Dictys Cretansis tells of Ajax killing Teleutas, whilst Sophocles tells of the king surviving the raid. In both cases though, Teleutas’ daughter, Tecmessa, is taken, and upon arrival at the Achaean camp, becomes the prize of Ajax.
This tale of course mirrors other tales, such as Achilles’ capture of Briseis from Lyrnessus and Agamemnon’s taking of Chryseis from Thebe.
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Colin Quartermain - Teleutas - 6th June 2026