THRASYMEDES IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Thrasymedes was a Prince of Pylos in Greek mythology, famous for being the son of King Nestor. Thrasymedes was also a heroic figure having fought in the Trojan War.
Thrasymedes Son of NestorThrasymedes was the son of King Nestor of Pylos, normally said to have been born to Nestor’s wife, Eurydice (although Anaxibia, is also named as Thrasymedes’ mother by some).
Thrasymedes thus, had a number of siblings, including Antilochus, Pistratus and Polycaste. |
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Thrasymedes and the Trojan War
Nestor was known for his long life, and for his many heroic deeds, when Agamemnon summoned Greeks to come to Aulis, to retrieve Menelaus’ wife, Helen, from the Trojans. Nestor assembled 90 ships of Messenians, and he was accompanied by Antilochus, who as a Suitor of Helen was duty bound, and also Thrasymedes.
During the fighting Thrasymedes was said to have killed Laomedon, an Aethiopian who had come to aide in the defence of Troy.
Thrasymedes was most arguably more well known for his defensive role, for he was one of the named sentries who guarded the Achaean camp and ships; Thrasymedes was thus found in the companionship of Aphareus, Deipyrus and Lycomedes.
Thrasymedes was named in the Iliad, as the man who gave his armour to Diomedes, when the son of Tydeus, and Odysseus went on a spying mission against the Trojan forces. Diomedes having left his own armour back at his own ship.
During the fighting Thrasymedes was said to have killed Laomedon, an Aethiopian who had come to aide in the defence of Troy.
Thrasymedes was most arguably more well known for his defensive role, for he was one of the named sentries who guarded the Achaean camp and ships; Thrasymedes was thus found in the companionship of Aphareus, Deipyrus and Lycomedes.
Thrasymedes was named in the Iliad, as the man who gave his armour to Diomedes, when the son of Tydeus, and Odysseus went on a spying mission against the Trojan forces. Diomedes having left his own armour back at his own ship.
Thrasymedes Later in the War
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Thrasymedes’ brother, Antilochus, was killed during the fighting; Antilochus is normally said to have been killed by Memnon. Thrasymedes and Nestor entered the fray in an attempt to retrieve the fallen body, but although fighting vigorously, they required the assistance of Achilles to force back the Trojan force to allow the body of Antilochus to be retrieved.
Thrasymedes was commonly named as one of the Achaean heroes who hid inside the Wooden Horse, the ruse that brought forth the Sacking of Troy and the end of the Trojan War. After the war had ended, Thrasymedes, alongside his father, returned to Pylos, for he was known to have met Telemachus there, when Telemachus came seeking news of his father, Odysseus. Thrasymedes as KingThe death of Thrasymedes’ father is not recorded, but when death did come to Nestor, Thrasymedes inherited a portion of the kingdom, for after Nestor, it was said that Pylos was split into four, a situation that continued until the return of the Heraclides.
Thrasymedes would be succeeded as king of Pylos, or at least his portion, by Sillus, his son, and then, by Alcmaeon, the grandson of Thrasymedes. Since antiquity, a vaulted tomb, located on a hill, overlooking Voidokilia Beach, has been named as the Tomb of Thrasymedes. |
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Colin Quartermain - Thrasymedes- 2nd October 2021