Laocoon
heroLaocoon was the Trojan priest who tried to warn Troy about the Wooden Horse — "I fear Greeks even bearing gifts" — and was killed by sea serpents sent by the gods.
The Myth
When the Greeks left the Wooden Horse at Troy's gates, Laocoon warned against bringing it inside. He hurled a spear at it and uttered his famous warning: "Timeo Danaos et dona ferentes." Athena (or Poseidon), determined Troy should fall, sent two sea serpents that crushed Laocoon and his two sons. The Trojans interpreted the priest's death as punishment for striking the horse and brought it inside the walls.
Parents
Acoetes (or Priam)
Children
Two sons (killed)
Symbols
Fun Fact
The Laocoön sculpture (1st century BC), showing the priest and sons in the serpents' coils, is one of the most famous artworks in the Vatican.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
Explore Further
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Priam
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