NIREUS (king in Greek mythology)
Figure of myth · king in Greek mythology
- Parents
- Charops, Aglaia
- In the sources
- 10 ancient passages
Nireus, son of Aglaia and Charopus, was the most handsome Greek warrior at Ilius, second only to Achilles.1,2,3,4 His grace and goodliness were comparable to the Deathless Ones, marking him as a standard for exceptional physical beauty.5,6 He led the contingent from the island of Syme, commanding three ships for the Greek expedition despite having little personal wealth or substance.4,1 Though he wielded a long-shafted spear and splendid arms, he lacked physical strength, a limitation the gods imposed to prevent him from having both perfect beauty and power.6,2 In the underworld, Menippus described his skull as tender and lacking masculinity.3
Sailing with the Achaeans, Nireus fought in the great war, claiming to be the most handsome among those who came to Troy.3 During the battle, Eurypylus stabbed Nireus beneath the ribs with a spear, taunting him for dying despite his great beauty.2 He fell to the ground, his blood soaking his armor, body, and hair, and died from the wound.2 Nireus lay beside his fallen comrade Machaon, and the Greek warriors performed funeral rites for him, mourning his death with equal grief to that for Machaon.7,8,6 Machaon attacked an enemy to avenge the death of Nireus, while the Argives were urged to rescue the fallen friends.7,9 The Greeks built a single burial mound for him and Machaon.6 Now present in the underworld among other famous beautiful figures, Nireus rests in the company of the renowned beauties of the ancient world.10,3
The codex facts behind this entry
Appearance
Nireus was considered the most handsome Greek warrior at Ilius, second only to Achilles, and was described as being as beautiful as the gods. Iliad 2 ¶52 +2
Fate
Nireus was killed in battle and lay beside his fallen comrade Machaon. Quintus 6 ¶28 +1
