Peleus
heroKing of Phthia, Argonaut, and father of Achilles who wrestled the shape-shifting sea goddess Thetis to win her as his bride.
The Myth
He had to hold a shape-shifting goddess while she turned into fire, water, a lion, and a serpent — and he did not let go. Peleus was told by Chiron to seize Thetis and hold her through every transformation until she yielded. Their wedding on Mount Pelion was attended by every Olympian, and it was there that Eris threw the golden apple that ultimately caused the Trojan War. Zeus and Poseidon had both desired Thetis but abandoned her after Prometheus revealed her son would surpass his father. Peleus outlived his own glory — Achilles died at Troy, and old Peleus was eventually driven from his kingdom by Acastus.
Parents
Aeacus, Endeis
Children
Symbols
Fun Fact
The wedding of Peleus and Thetis is the event that set the entire Trojan War in motion.
Explore Further
Acastus
heroKing of Iolcus and Argonaut who later tried to murder Peleus by stranding him unarmed on Mount...
Achilles
heroThe greatest warrior in the Greek army at Troy, nearly invulnerable thanks to being dipped in the...
Achilles (Wrath)
heroThe swift-footed son of Peleus and Thetis whose wrath drives the Iliad and whose choice between...
Aeacus
heroAeacus was the most pious mortal of his age, whose prayers could end drought and whose justice...
Peleus (Father of Achilles)
heroThe king of Phthia who wrestled and won the sea-nymph Thetis, fathering Achilles — the greatest...
Eris
conceptThe goddess of strife and discord who threw the golden apple that started the chain of events...
Thetis
nymphThetis was a sea nymph so powerful that both Zeus and Poseidon desired her — until a prophecy...
Thetis (Prophecy)
nymphThetis was the Nereid whose son was destined to surpass his father — a prophecy so threatening that...
Prometheus (Culture Hero)
heroPrometheus stole fire from the gods and gave it to humanity, for which Zeus chained him to a rock...
Atalanta (Huntress)
heroThe swift-footed huntress who drew first blood against the Calydonian Boar and was only beaten in a...
Meleager (Brand)
heroThe leader of the Calydonian Boar Hunt whose fate was tied to a charred brand — when it burned out,...
Patroclus
heroPatroclus was Achilles' closest companion whose death in borrowed armour at Hector's hands was the...