PHOENIX, TUTOR OF ACHILLES (tutor of Achilles)

Phoenix fled his father’s house after sleeping with his father’s concubine at his mother’s urging.^4,5 His father, acting on a false accusation of seduction, blinded him, and Phoenix attempted to kill him but was stopped by a god.^9,4 Cursed to never have a son who would sit on his knees, Phoenix escaped exile by climbing over the wall on the tenth night to flee his homeland.^4,10 He traveled to Phthia, where King Peleus welcomed him, treated him like an only son, and brought him to Chiron for medical treatment.^4,10,9 Chiron restored Phoenix’s sight, and Peleus made him rich, appointing him as the chief ruler and lord of the Dolopians.^9,10,4,7

Peleus placed his infant son on Phoenix’s knees to be raised, and Phoenix agreed to foster the child as if he were his own.¹⁰ The infant called Phoenix father, wetting his clothes with his lips, and Phoenix held him in his arms with a soul that laughed for glee.¹⁰ He nursed the child and trained him in speech and action, watching Achilles grow in stature and prowess daily.^4,11,2 Phoenix hoped the foster child would support him in his old age, expecting Achilles to be the staff of his years.¹⁰

When the war at Troy began, Phoenix accompanied Achilles and served as the captain of the fourth company of ships.^9,1 He led a group of Dolopian slingers to support the Greek forces and was selected to lead the group of messengers sent to Achilles.^7,12,8 Phoenix acted alongside Odysseus in a diplomatic mission and was present at the meal where Odysseus pledged Achilles.^13,14,15 He was appointed to act as the judge for the chariot race, tasked with observing the event and reporting the results accurately.¹⁶ At one point, Athena assumed his form and voice to speak with Menelaus, urging him to protect Patroclus’s body.¹⁷

Phoenix wept with intense grief when Peleus’ son died, holding the body of the deceased hero in his arms.¹⁰ He attempted to soothe Achilles’ sorrow over the loss of Patroclus, remaining with him to offer comfort during his intense grief.¹⁸ Phoenix arrived at Neoptolemus’ side during the battle against the Trojans, weeping with joy upon seeing him.^2,6 Phoenix gave the name Neoptolemus to the son of Achilles and sighed woefully for the glorious dead.^19,3 He eventually died on the way, and Neoptolemus buried him, ending the life of a man who had been a father, a king, and a guide.^20,21