THEANO (priestess of Athena in Troy)
Figure of myth · priestess of Athena in Troy in Greek mythology
- Parents
- Cisseus, Telecleia
- Siblings
- Hecuba
- Consorts
- Antenor
- Children
- Agenor, Acamas, Mimas, Iphidamas, Glaucus, Eurymachus, Helicaon, Demoleon, Antheus, Krino
- In the sources
- 10 ancient passages
Theano, wife of Antenor, was a lovely and fair woman with a deep waist who served as the priestess of Athena appointed by the Trojans.1,2,3,4 Accounts of her birth vary, identifying her father as either Cisseus or Danaus, while the codex records list Cisseus and Telecleia as her parents.5,2,4 Hecuba is listed among her siblings in the codex records. Her children included Agenor, Acamas, Mimas, Iphidamas, Glaucus, Eurymachus, Helicaon, and Demoleon.
Out of affection for her husband, Theano raised Pedaeus as her own child.1 She welcomed the son of Atreus with a table, showing kindness.6 During the night, she spoke to Odysseus and Menelaus and conveyed the speech of the Achaeans to King Priam and his sons.3
Theano opened the doors of the temple of Athena and placed a robe on the knees of the goddess.2 She cried out to the goddess, praying for the defeat of Diomed at the Scaean gates and promising twelve heifers as a sacrifice if the city were saved.2 Athena did not grant Theano's prayer for protection.2
Theano spoke with dissuading words to the Trojan women, advising them to stay home and work at their looms rather than joining the battle.7 She argued that the women's strength was inferior to the Danaan men, though she claimed the Amazons were naturally suited for war due to their training.7 Theano stated that the Trojan men were currently winning the war against the Achaeans.7
