POLYDAMAS (Trojan hero)
Figure of myth · Trojan hero, son of Panthoos in the Iliad
- Parents
- Panthous
- In the sources
- 33 ancient passages
Polydamas, son of Panthous and Agenor, was a noble and strong figure, known for his prudent heart and wisdom.1,2,3,4,5 Born on the same night as Hector, he became a close companion to the prince, standing alongside him, Aeneas, and the sons of Antenor in battle.6,7,8 His temperament was defined by a rare judgement that allowed him to look both before and after, valuing wise discretion as a guardian of peace.6,9 While some considered him the best in counsel, others, like Paris, accused him of possessing only fear and panic, a claim Polydamas answered directly without shrinking back.3,9
When the Trojans gathered in disquiet over the approaching Achaean forces, Polydamas was the first to speak, addressing the assembly with goodwill.10,6 He advised the Trojans to retreat and stay inside the city walls, arguing that they were far from the defenses and should endure tribulations, predicting that if they fought, they would not return safely to Troy.11,5,12 Interpreting an omen of an eagle and a snake as a warning of heavy losses, he warned that if the Achaeans rallied, no Trojan would survive to return home.12,13,14 He further proposed returning Helen and her wealth to the Danaans to save Troy, stating that King Priam's halls held enough food to sustain a much larger host.4,10 Although the Trojans privately approved of his words, they ignored his advice in favor of Hector's counsel, and he complained that Hector often rebuked him for speaking wisely in war councils.3,12,15
Despite his caution, Polydamas proved cunning in battle-toil, strode before the warrior throng, and charged from the city.16 He moved toward the area where the fighting was most intense, and during the battle he killed the warrior Mecisteus and wounded Prothoenor in the right shoulder with a spear that pierced through.17,18,19 He predicted the wounded man would use the spear as a staff in the underworld.19 In another engagement, he killed Eurymachus and Cleon with his spear, and later slew Otus of Cyllene, a companion of the son of Phyleus.20,21
Polydamas demonstrated his loyalty not only through combat but through care for his comrades, helping to surround, shield, and lift a wounded man away from the battle line.22 He poured water over the injured man to revive him and helped remove him from his chariot at the horse/">Xanthus ford, laying him down near the stream.22 He helped move the injured man towards the city while he groaned in pain.22 After managing his horses and handing them over to Astynous, he returned to his position in the front ranks, ready to face the enemy once more.2
He continued to advise against endless war, claiming the divine walls could not be breached by Achaean strength.10,4 Though Hector rebuked him for speaking wisely, Polydamas disdained those who fawned on men's faces while harboring malice.12,15,9 He was selected as one of the champions to lead the Trojan charge.16 He stood as a man of judgement who valued wise discretion as a guardian that keeps his house in peace.6,9
The codex facts behind this entry
Polydamas is the son of Panthous and Agenor. Iliad 13 ¶51 +3
In the myths
Polydamas advised the Trojans to retreat and stay inside the city walls because they were far from the walls and to endure tribulations. Iliad 18 ¶25 +2 Polydamas warned that if the Achaeans rallied, no Trojan would survive to return to the city, that they would retaliate for previous losses, and that a relentless Achaean warrior would soon attack the Trojans. Iliad 12 ¶4 +1 Polydamas spoke words that pleased Hector. Iliad 12 ¶5 +1 He was born on the same night as Hector. Iliad 18 ¶23 +1
