Antilochus
The son of Nestor who died at Troy protecting his elderly father from Memnon — a sacrifice that moved Achilles to avenge him.
The Legend of Antilochus
Antilochus was the favourite son of Nestor, the aged king of Pylos and wisest of the Greek counsellors. Young, brave, and swift-footed, Antilochus was one of Achilles's closest friends at Troy — after Patroclus, perhaps the companion Achilles loved most. He was chosen to bring Achilles the terrible news of Patroclus's death, and he held Achilles's hands during his grief to prevent the hero from taking his own life. Antilochus proved himself an excellent chariot racer at Patroclus's funeral games, where his clever but borderline tactics against Menelaus display a personality both endearing and shrewd. His death came when the Ethiopian king Memnon — son of Eos and nearly Achilles's equal — attacked old Nestor on the battlefield. Antilochus threw himself between his father and the demigod, dying to save Nestor's life. This sacrifice motivated Achilles to fight Memnon in one of the great duels of the war, avenging his young friend.
Fun Fact
Antilochus held Achilles's hands during his grief for Patroclus — to stop the hero from killing himself.
Explore Further
Sarpédon
🗡 heroSon of Zeus who died at Troy
Sarpedon was a son of Zeus and the greatest Lycian warrior at Troy — his death forced Zeus to confront the limits of even divine power.
Antilochus
🗡 herowar
Son of Nestor, youngest Greek commander at Troy, beloved companion of Achilles who died protecting his father.
Patroclus
🗡 heroAchilles' beloved companion
Patroclus was Achilles' closest companion whose death in borrowed armour at Hector's hands was the turning point of the Iliad.
Tydeus
🗡 heroThe ferocious warrior who forfeited immortality
A hero of savage courage who fought as one of the Seven Against Thebes but lost Athena's gift of immortality in his final moment.
Cleitus
🗡 heroService, youth
Trojan warrior and attendant who was killed during the fighting at Troy
Eurypylos
🗡 heroCombat, Mysian alliance
Son of Telephus and leader of the Mysians who came late to Troy's defence and was killed by Neoptolemus
Hector
🗡 heroChampion of Troy
Hector was Troy's greatest warrior, who fought not for glory but to defend his city, wife, and son.
Polites
🗡 heroScouting, loyalty
Trojan prince and son of Priam known for his swiftness as a scout and lookout
Sarpedon
🗡 heroNone recorded
Lycian prince and ally of Troy in the Trojan War, son of Zeus
Menoeceus
🗡 herosacrifice
Young Theban prince who killed himself to save Thebes after Tiresias prophesied the city needed royal blood.
Acamas
🗡 heroCombat, diplomacy
Trojan warrior and son of Antenor who fought bravely in the defence of Troy
Dolops
🗡 heroCombat, lineage
Trojan warrior and son of Lampus who fought bravely before falling at Troy