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Asteropaios

Background

Asteropaios, also spelled Asteropaeus, is a character in Greek mythology known primarily from Homer's "Iliad." He was a warrior who fought on the side of the Trojans during the Trojan War. Here are some key aspects of Asteropaios:

Lineage and Background

1. Parentage: Asteropaios was the son of Pelegon, who was the son of the river god Axius and Periboea. This divine lineage provided him with significant strength and a notable place among the Trojan allies.

2. Role in the Trojan War: Asteropaios was a leader of the Paeonians, a Thracian tribe that came to aid the Trojans against the Greeks. The Paeonians were known for their valor and skill in battle.

Role in the Iliad

1. Warrior of Distinction: In the "Iliad," Asteropaios is portrayed as a formidable warrior. He is described as being exceptionally tall and strong, attributes befitting his divine ancestry.

2. Combat with Achilles: Asteropaios is most famous for his encounter with the Greek hero Achilles. In Book 21 of the "Iliad," Asteropaios bravely confronts Achilles by the river Scamander. Despite his courage and skill, Asteropaios is ultimately no match for Achilles.

3. Dual Wielding: One of the notable aspects of his fight with Achilles is that Asteropaios is described as ambidextrous, capable of wielding a spear in each hand. He hurls two spears simultaneously at Achilles, a rare skill among warriors.

4. Death: During their combat, Asteropaios manages to wound Achilles by grazing his arm, but Achilles, driven by rage, kills him with a single thrust of his sword. After killing Asteropaios, Achilles strips him of his armor and leaves his body by the river.

Significance

1. Symbol of Bravery: Asteropaios symbolizes the bravery and the nobility of the Trojan allies who stood against the Greeks. His willingness to face Achilles, knowing the latter's formidable reputation, highlights his valor.

2. Divine Connection: His divine ancestry through his grandfather, the river god Axius, emphasizes the recurring theme in Greek mythology of heroes and warriors being connected to the gods, which often bestows upon them extraordinary abilities.

Summary

Asteropaios was a prominent warrior on the Trojan side during the Trojan War, leading the Paeonians. Known for his divine lineage and remarkable combat skills, he faced Achilles in a memorable encounter in Homer's "Iliad." Despite his bravery and ambidextrous spear-wielding abilities, he was ultimately slain by Achilles. Asteropaios stands as a symbol of courage and the tragic valor of the Trojan allies in Greek mythology.

Sources

Homer. The Iliad with an English Translation by A.T. Murray, Ph.D. in two volumes. Cambridge, MA., Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann, Ltd., 1924.

Homer, Iliad 21.140–160

Homer, Iliad 12.101–104

Homer, Iliad 21.136–

Homer, Iliad, 21.161–169

Homer, Iliad, 21.170–199

Homer, Iliad, 23.560–564

Homer, Iliad, 23.805–809

Greek Ideology