GLAUCUS OF LYCIA (lycian ally of Troy)

In the heat of combat, he struck Iphinous on the shoulder, causing him to fall from his chariot and die.⁸ He also killed Bathycles, the wealthiest Myrmidon, by striking him in the chest after turning suddenly to defend himself against a pursuing enemy.⁴ Glaucus directed the Lycians toward the section of the wall defended by Menestheus, bringing destruction to the Greek defenders at that specific location.³ He was the first to stop the Trojan retreat by rallying his troops.⁴

Teucer wounded Glaucus in the shoulder with an arrow while he attacked the wall, causing him to stop fighting.^9,10 Unable to grasp his sword due to the painful injury, he secretly descended from the wall to hide his condition from the Achaeans.^9,10 He was forced to support his injured arm with his other hand, and he was in great pain due to the wound.¹⁰ Sarpedon felt grief when he saw Glaucus leave the battle.⁹

Glaucus prayed to Apollo for healing because his pain prevented him from fighting.^10,11 He suggested Apollo might be located in Troy or in the rich land of Lycia, and Apollo answered by easing his pain and stopping the bleeding.^10,11 He reported that Sarpedon was killed by Patroclus's spear, and he instructed the Lycian captains to fight for the body of Sarpedon.¹¹ He begged the Trojans to prevent the Myrmidons from stripping Sarpedon's armor, stating that capturing Patroclus would lead the Argives to surrender the armor.^12,11

Glaucus sternly rebuked Hector for his cowardice in battle, accusing him of being afraid of Ajax and the noise of chariots.^12,5 He criticized Hector for failing to stand against Ajax and for abandoning Sarpedon to be taken by the Danaans, claiming the Trojans lacked the fearless spirit needed to defend their country.¹² This rebuke caused Hector to despise him, although Hector had previously held him in high regard for his understanding.^12,5 Despite the tension, Hector addressed Glaucus as his friend and asked him to stand by his side, and Glaucus suggested the Lycians should return home and leave Troy to its fate.^12,5 Ultimately, Glaucus was defeated and killed by Aias during the war, after he pierced the sevenfold hides of Aias' shield but failed to wound him and threatened the hero, claiming Aias would die that day.^13,7 Other accounts state that the four mares of Poseidon tore apart his limbs and devoured him, after he was driven to madness by the son of Cronus.^14,15