Greek Mythology Notes
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Neoptolemus

hero
Νεοπτόλεμος
Son of Achilles

Neoptolemus was Achilles' fierce son, brought to Troy because a prophecy declared the city could not fall without him.

The Myth

Raised on Scyros, he fought with terrifying ferocity. He killed Priam at Zeus's altar during the sack. He took Andromache as a war prize. He was eventually killed at Delphi. His name means "new war."

Parents

Achilles and Deidamia

Children

Molossus

Symbols

Achilles' armouryouthswordaltar

Fun Fact

A "Pyrrhic victory" may derive from King Pyrrhus of Epirus, who claimed descent from Neoptolemus.

Words We Inherited

English words and phrases that trace back to this myth: