Calydonian Boar
creatureThe Calydonian Boar was a massive, destructive beast sent by Artemis to ravage Calydon after King Oeneus forgot to honour her in sacrifice.
The Myth
The boar devastated Calydon's crops and killed many men. Meleager assembled the greatest heroes — Atalanta, Theseus, the Dioscuri, Peleus, Telamon, and others — for the hunt. Atalanta drew first blood, and Meleager killed the boar and awarded her the hide. The quarrel over the spoils led to Meleager's death. The hunt became one of the canonical gatherings of heroes.
Parents
Sent by Artemis
Symbols
Fun Fact
The Calydonian Boar Hunt appears on the François Vase (c. 570 BC), where each hero is labelled by name — an ancient "team photo."
Explore Further
Artemis
godTwin sister of Apollo and goddess of the hunt. Artemis roamed the wild forests with her band of...
Atalanta
heroA heroine raised by bears who could outrun any mortal man. Atalanta joined the Argonauts, slew the...
Dioscuri
heroThe Dioscuri were twin brothers — Castor (mortal) and Pollux (divine) — inseparable in life, who...
Meleager
heroMeleager's life was bound to a burning log.
Theseus
heroThe hero who navigated the Labyrinth, slew the Minotaur, and became the legendary king of Athens....
Argus Panoptes
creatureArgus Panoptes was a giant with a hundred eyes covering his body — the all-seeing watchman whom...