LAODAMIA (wife of Protesilaus)
Figure of myth · Greek mythology character, wife of Protesilaus
- Parents
- Acastus, Astydameia
- Siblings
- Sthenele, Sterope
- Consorts
- Protesilaus
- In the sources
- 6 ancient passages
Her siblings were Sthenele and Sterope. She became the wife of the Greek warrior Protesilaus.1
Before Protesilaus departed, Laodamia instructed him to prioritize his own safety and fight only to survive so he could return to her.2 She warned him to be cautious of Hector and other Trojan warriors.2 Laodamia expressed a wish that Troy might fall without Protesilaus suffering injury.2 While he was away, she wept tears like melted snow whenever she thought of the war.3 The names of Troy and its surrounding places struck her with terror.3 She refused to wear gold cloth or adorn her hair, choosing instead to dress negligently to share in the hardships of the war.3 Thessalian matrons gathered around her to urge her to dress royally.3 Driven by madness like those touched by Dionysus, she wandered aimlessly.3 She cursed Paris for being a perfidious guest and a destructive enemy.3 She criticized Menelaus for being an overly anxious avenger.3
The gods allowed Hermes to bring her husband back from the underworld for her.1 Laodamia believed her husband had returned from Troy when she saw him.1 She loved Protesilaus even after his death.1 When Protesilaus was carried back to Hades, she killed herself by stabbing.1
