Peleus

NAMA Pélée, Achille & Chiron

The House of Theseus, detail of The first bath of Achilles mosaic, the Fates Clotho holding a spindle and distaff, and Lachenis holding a diptych, South Wing, Paphos Archaeological Park, Cyprus (22384092519)

Dish Thetis Peleus Louvre CA2569

Thetis Peleus Louvre G373

Thetis Peleus Louvre G65

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Peleus Thetis Staatliche Antikensammlungen 1415

Peleus was a figure in Greek mythology, renowned as the king of the Myrmidons in Phthia, Thessaly, and most famously as the father of Achilles by the Nereid Thetis. He was a son of Aeacus, king of Aegina, and Endeis, and brother to Telamon. Peleus' significance in mythology is not only due to his heroic son but also his involvement in various myths, including his marriage to Thetis, which was marked by a grand ceremony attended by many deities and led to the events of the Trojan War.

Mythology

Early Life

Peleus' early life was marked by adventure and conflict. He and his brother Telamon were involved in the expulsion of their half-brother, Phocus, and eventually left Aegina. Peleus settled in Phthia, where he was purified by King Eurytion after accidentally killing Eurytion's brother. This act of purification formed a bond between them, and Peleus married Eurytion's daughter, Antigone, with whom he had a daughter, Polydora.

Quest for the Golden Fleece

Peleus was one of the Argonauts, a band of heroes who accompanied Jason in his quest for the Golden Fleece. This journey was filled with numerous challenges and adventures, showcasing Peleus' valor and skills as a warrior.

Marriage to Thetis

The most significant event in Peleus' life was his marriage to Thetis. It was prophesied that Thetis would bear a son greater than his father, leading Zeus and Poseidon to withdraw their pursuit of her. The marriage was arranged, and the wedding was a grand event attended by many gods. However, the goddess Eris was not invited, leading to her throwing the Apple of Discord into the celebration, an act that eventually led to the Trojan War.

Peleus and Thetis' son, Achilles, became one of the greatest heroes of the Trojan War. Peleus' attempts to make Achilles immortal included the famous incident where Thetis dipped Achilles in the river Styx, making him invulnerable everywhere except his heel.

Legacy

Peleus' legacy is intertwined with that of his son, Achilles. After the Trojan War, Peleus' kingdom was said to have been attacked by Neoptolemus, Achilles' son, though versions of this story vary. In some accounts, Peleus was able to escape to the island of Cos, where he was purified by Acastus and lived out his days.

Peleus is also remembered for his role in the Argonautica, his participation in the Calydonian boar hunt, and his connection to the divine through his marriage to Thetis. His story exemplifies themes of heroism, divine intervention, and the complexities of fate within Greek mythology.