PANTHOUS (priest of Apollo at Troy)
Figure of myth · priest of Apollo at Troy, son of Othrys
Panthous, a man of the lineage of Othrys, served as a priest to the god Apollo within the Trojan citadel.1 He was a fluent orator among the group of elders, seated by the Scaean gates alongside other men too old to fight.2 From this high vantage point on the tower, he observed Helen approaching with the other seated elders.2
His household included the proud and bold sons Polydamas, Euphorbus, and Hyperenor, children born of his union with Phrontis.3,4,5,6 Apollo prevented one of Panthous's sons from being killed in battle, while another, Hyperenor, died at the hands of Menelaus after mocking him.7,5 Panthous was to receive the head and armor of Menelaus to comfort the grieving parents of Euphorbus's brother.8
When the Greek spears forced him to flee, Panthous escaped with wild and swift steps toward the gates.1 He carried his sacred emblems and defeated gods, holding his small grandson in his arms during the chaotic escape.1 He informed Aeneas that Troy had fallen and the Trojan name was gone.1
Despite his priestly status and clean hands, Panthous was killed during the fall of Troy.9 He died in the mortal hour when the Trojans were overwhelmed.9
