MEMNON (ethiopian king and son of Eos)
Figure of myth · mythical Ethiopian king, son of Tithonus and Eos
He appeared as a godlike hero with a giantlike stature, his hair a tossing storm beneath a cloudy crest.1,2,3,4 To the Trojans, he looked fierce and furious as the god Ares, resembling a great lion standing above a frightened hart.5,6 Priam compared his appearance to an invincible Deathless One, and the Trojans were delighted by his giant-like form.3 He was considered more handsome than Eurypylus, who was otherwise the handsomest man seen by the speaker.7
Memnon brought a large army of dark-skinned Ethiopians to aid the Trojans, promising to drive away dire ruin and end the city's suffering.3,8,9,10 He recounted his journey from the edge of Ocean to Troy, defeating the Solymi army that had blocked his path.3 The Trojans welcomed him with observance, goodly gifts, and abundant cheer.3 He led his army along the shortest routes through Phrygia.11 In battle, he drove the Argive forces back toward the Hellespont shores and killed many of their warriors with his spear.12,2,13 His fleeing foes ran from the lightning-flash of his spear as he slew numerous enemies in revenge for the death of Meneclus.12
He wounded Achilles' arm with his spear and attacked using his powerful weapon, thrusting repeatedly at vulnerable spots.14,15,16,4 Zeus inspired Memnon and his opponent with tireless prowess because he loved them both.4 Memnon claimed his mother brought light to gods and men and that the issue of all things depended on her.2 He disdained Thetis, saying she sat in barren crypts of brine and was deedless and unseen.2 The Dawn-queen deflected spears thrown at Memnon so they missed his flesh.6
Achilles stabbed Memnon in the chest with his sword, killing him during a fierce battle on the plain of Priam.17,18,13,9 Memnon died after his silver cord of life snapped, and his blood dripped from his pierced limbs onto the earth.1,19 The Myrmidons stripped the armor from Memnon's dead body.1 The Dawn's winds carried Memnon's body away from the battlefield.19 The Dawn fell upon her son and clasped him while wailing, and the Pleiads mourned Memnon alongside her.20 His death caused his mother to grieve intensely.20,21
Memnon was characterized by an uplifted soul and vain speech, speaking with arrogant words after wounding Achilles.22,2 An old warrior described Memnon as having a young man's bold heart, though he claimed Memnon's might would not have defeated him in his youth.22 He was athirst for fight and rejoiced with vain joy.3,2 Birds scatter dust on Memnon's grave as a memorial act.23,24 Many people claim Memnon conquered Egypt and extended his rule to Susa.25 He did not return home.18
The codex facts behind this entry
Memnon is the king of the Ethiopians. Pausanias 10.31.7 +4 Memnon identifies himself as the mighty son of the Dawn-queen. Apollodorus, Epitome 5.3 +2 Memnon is a warrior-king who arrived in Troy to aid the Trojans. Quintus 2 ¶2 +1
In the myths
Achilles stabbed Memnon in the chest with his sword, killing him during a fierce battle on the plain of Priam. Pindar, Isthmian 7 ¶11 +3 Memnon came to the aid of the Trojans, promising to drive away dire ruin and end the city's suffering. Diodorus 4.75 +3 Memnon fought a single combat against Achilles, during which he hurled a stone at him, struck him on the right shoulder with his lance, and wounded his arm with his spear. Pausanias 3.18.12 +3 Memnon killed Antilochus during the battle. Apollodorus, Epitome 5.3 +2 Memnon drove the Argive forces back toward the Hellespont shores and killed many of their warriors with his spear. Quintus 2 ¶22 +1 Memnon attacked an opponent using his powerful spear, thrusting repeatedly at vulnerable spots. Pindar, Pythian 6 ¶7 +1 Memnon was killed by a warrior from Aigina. Athenaeus 15.25 +1 Memnon led the Ethiopian military forces during the conflict. Apollodorus, Epitome 5.3 +1 He killed many Danaan warriors during the battle. Apollodorus, Epitome 5.3 +1
Worship
Birds scatter dust on Memnon's grave as a memorial act. Pliny, Nat. Hist. 10.37 ¶1 +1
Fate
Achilles killed Memnon in battle. Apollodorus, Epitome 5.3 +3 Memnon died after his silver cord of life snapped, and his blood dripped from his pierced limbs onto the earth. Quintus 2 ¶30 +1 Memnon was slain, causing his mother to grieve intensely. Quintus 2 ¶34 +1
