Greek Mythology Notes

Deiphobus

hero
Δηΐφοβος
war

Trojan prince who married Helen after Paris was killed, making him the last husband of the most contested woman in myth.

The Myth

He married Helen after his own brother Paris died — and she betrayed him for it. When Troy fell, Helen stripped the weapons from Deiphobus's chamber and opened the door for Menelaus. The enraged Greek king mutilated his body so savagely that when Aeneas later met Deiphobus's shade in the Underworld, the ghost was barely recognizable. Hector had valued him as the best of the surviving brothers. Athena even impersonated Deiphobus to lure Hector into his fatal duel with Achilles, suggesting the gods considered his form trustworthy enough to fool Troy's champion.

Parents

Priam, Hecuba

Symbols

swordmarriage bed

Fun Fact

Athena disguised herself as Deiphobus to trick Hector into facing Achilles alone.

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