ANTILOCHUS (mythological prince, son of Nestor)
Figure of myth · mythological prince, son of Nestor
- Parents
- Nestor, Eurydice of Pylos, Anaxibia
- Siblings
- Thrasymedes, Peisistratus, Stratius, Perseus, Echephron, Polycaste, Pisidice, Aretus
- Children
- Paeon
- In the sources
- 62 ancient passages
Antilochus, the beardless son of Nestor and Anaxibia, was a prince of the Pylian people.1,2,3,4,5 Blessed by Zeus and Poseidon, who made him an excellent horseman, he was exceptionally fast on foot and skilful at wheeling his chariot around the turning post.6,7,8,9 Though his youth got the better of his judgment on one occasion, he remained a brave soldier and one of the most beloved companions of Achilles.10,11,12,13,14
During the expedition to Troy, Antilochus struck down Ablerus and the charioteer of Asius with his spear, and killed the Trojan warrior Echepolus by striking his helmet and piercing his brow.15,16,1,17 He also slew Atymnius by driving a spear through his throat and killed Melanippus, attempting to strip his armor.18,19 In moments of crisis, he protected his father Nestor from enemy attacks and sprang ahead to protect Menelaus, positioning himself beside him when Aeneas prepared to fight, causing the Trojan hero to retreat.20,21,22 When a spear struck his shield, it failed to pierce his body, and Poseidon protected him from darts falling around him. [f: 36, 52, 20]23,2
After Patroclus died, Antilochus was closer to Achilles than any other comrade, prompting the hero to seek vengeance for his loss. [f: 4]13,14 When Menelaus sent him to the ships to inform Achilles of a comrade's death, Antilochus handed his armor to Laodocus and ran with tears in his eyes. [f: 10, 13, 42, 62]24,25,26,27,28 He was unaware that Patroclus had already fallen, believing the hero was still alive on the front line. [f: 44]29 In the chariot race held in Patroclus's honor, Antilochus finished ahead of Menelaus by placing his chariot in front of Menelaus's horses, a trick that drew accusations of guile. [f: 5, 14]30,31,32 Despite Menelaus's anger, Antilochus apologized and offered to yield the prize, prioritizing his friend's good graces over material gain. [f: 76, 90]10
Antilochus was eventually killed by Memnon, the son of the Dawn-goddess, when a spear plunged directly into his heart during battle before Troy. [f: 3, 11]33,7,34,20 The Argive warriors mourned his death, standing around him in grief as the Pylians transported his body to their ships. [f: 16, 57]35,3 Nestor mourned the loss of his son, though he remained emotionally resilient in the face of such sorrow. [f: 6]3,36
The Pylian soldiers buried Antilochus near the Hellespont, and his mother provided a golden vase crafted by Hephaestus to hold his bones.3,14 Now a ghost among the dead heroes in the house of Hades, Antilochus is remembered for his valiance and his deep bond with Achilles.37,38,9,8,13 His descendants were later expelled from Messenia, but his legacy as a mighty warrior endures in the tales of the Trojan War. [f: 29, 30, 92]39,20
The codex facts behind this entry
Antilochus is the son of Nestor, who is the son of Neleus. Iliad 13 ¶31 +9 Antilochus is a valiant warrior and fleet runner among the young Argives. Iliad 13 ¶11 +1
Appearance
Antilochus was described as being exceptionally fast on foot. Odyssey 3 ¶12 +1
In the myths
Antilochus finished the chariot race ahead of Menelaus by using a trick rather than speed, specifically by placing his own chariot in front of Menelaus's horses. Iliad 23 ¶30 +2 Menelaus instructed Antilochus to run to the ships to inform Achilles that he should retrieve Patroclus's body. Iliad 17 ¶45 +1 Antilochus was killed by Memnon, the son of bright Dawn, who led the Ethiopian forces. Odyssey 4 ¶16 +1 Antilochus died while protecting his father Nestor from an attack and was positioned at his father's side before his death. Pindar, Pythian 6 ¶6 +1 Ajax suggested sending Antilochus as a messenger to inform Achilles about a comrade's death. Iliad 17 ¶43 +1 Menelaus accused Antilochus of being a trickster who used guile to purposely obstruct his race. Iliad 23 ¶30 +1
Fate
Antilochus was killed by Memnon, the son of the Dawn-goddess, when a spear plunged directly into his heart during a battle before the city of Priam at Troy. Apollodorus, Epitome 5.3 +4 Nestor mourned the loss of his son, though he remained emotionally resilient. Quintus 3 ¶1 +2 Antilochus exists as a ghost among the dead heroes in the house of Hades. Odyssey 11 ¶40 +1 The Argive warriors mourned Antilochus and stood around him in grief after his death. Quintus 2 ¶36 +1
