Pylades
heroPylades was the devoted friend of Orestes who accompanied him through matricide, madness, and exile — the exemplar of loyal friendship in Greek myth.
The Myth
When Orestes was sent into exile as a child, Pylades's family raised him. As adults, Pylades accompanied Orestes to Mycenae for the murder of Clytemnestra, stood by him during the Furies' pursuit, and journeyed with him to Tauris to retrieve the sacred statue of Artemis. He married Orestes' sister Electra. Their bond was so celebrated that "Orestes and Pylades" became proverbial for devoted friendship.
Parents
Strophius and Anaxibia
Children
Medon, Strophius (by Electra)
Symbols
Explore Further
Artemis
godTwin sister of Apollo and goddess of the hunt. Artemis roamed the wild forests with her band of...
Clytemnestra
heroClytemnestra murdered Agamemnon on his return from Troy, driven by rage over Iphigenia's sacrifice.
Electra
heroDaughter of Agamemnon who plotted with her brother Orestes to avenge their father's murder by...
Mycenae
placeMycenae was the great Bronze Age citadel in the Argolid, seat of King Agamemnon who led the Greek...
Orestes
heroOrestes killed his mother to avenge his father — then was acquitted by Athena's court.
Achilles
heroThe greatest warrior in the Greek army at Troy, nearly invulnerable thanks to being dipped in the...