Peleus was a character from Greek mythology, most famously known as the father of the hero Achilles. Peleus was a king of the Myrmidons in the region of Thessaly in ancient Greece. He was the son of Aeacus, the king of the island of Aegina, and the nymph Endaïs.
One of the most well-known stories involving Peleus is his marriage to the sea-nymph Thetis. This was a significant event in Greek mythology because their wedding was attended by many of the gods, and it was at this event that the seeds of the Trojan War were sown. Eris, the goddess of discord, was not invited to the wedding and in her anger, she threw a golden apple inscribed with “to the fairest” into the gathering, which led to a dispute between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite. Paris, a prince of Troy, was chosen to decide who was the fairest, and his choice eventually led to the start of the Trojan War.
Peleus and Thetis had a son, Achilles, who would grow up to be one of the greatest heroes in Greek mythology, most famously known for his role in the Trojan War. In an attempt to make Achilles immortal, Thetis dipped him in the River Styx, holding him by the heel. This heel became his only vulnerable spot and is the origin of the term “Achilles’ heel”.
Peleus himself was a great warrior and was one of the Argonauts, the heroes who accompanied Jason on his quest for the Golden Fleece. He also took part in the hunt for the Calydonian Boar. Despite his heroism, Peleus’ life was marred by tragedy and strife, involving the killing of his brother and subsequent exile, conflict with his father-in-law, and the loss of his son in the Trojan War.