Peleus (Father of Achilles)
heroThe king of Phthia who wrestled and won the sea-nymph Thetis, fathering Achilles — the greatest warrior of the Trojan War.
The Myth
Peleus was a mortal hero whose greatest achievement was winning a divine bride. The sea-nymph Thetis was destined to bear a son greater than his father — a prophecy that terrified Zeus and Poseidon, who had both desired her. They married her to the mortal Peleus instead, neutralizing the threat. But Thetis had to be captured: on the advice of the wise centaur Chiron, Peleus ambushed her at a sea-cave on Mount Pelion and held on while she shape-shifted through fire, water, lion, serpent, and cuttlefish. When she finally yielded, their wedding on Pelion was attended by all the Olympian gods — the last time gods and mortals feasted together. It was at this wedding that Eris, uninvited, threw the golden Apple of Discord inscribed for the fairest, setting in motion the chain of events that led to the Judgment of Paris and the Trojan War. Peleus outlived his glory: Achilles died at Troy, Thetis returned to the sea, and the old king died alone.
Fun Fact
The wedding of Peleus and Thetis was the last party gods and mortals attended together — and it caused the Trojan War.
Explore Further
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...
Peleus
heroKing of Phthia, Argonaut, and father of Achilles who wrestled the shape-shifting sea goddess Thetis...
Apple of Discord
conceptGolden apple thrown by Eris inscribed "for the fairest" that triggered the divine beauty contest...
Eris
conceptThe goddess of strife and discord who threw the golden apple that started the chain of events...
Judgment of Paris
conceptThe beauty contest between Hera, Athena, and Aphrodite judged by Paris of Troy that caused the...
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...
Paris
heroParis was the Trojan prince whose judgement of three goddesses and abduction of Helen ignited the...
Acastus
heroKing of Iolcus and Argonaut who later tried to murder Peleus by stranding him unarmed on Mount...
Aeacus
heroAeacus was the most pious mortal of his age, whose prayers could end drought and whose justice...
Atalanta (Huntress)
heroThe swift-footed huntress who drew first blood against the Calydonian Boar and was only beaten in a...