Helenus facts for kids

Helenus was a very important person in Greek mythology. He was the son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy, which was a famous city. Helenus also had a twin sister named Cassandra. Both Helenus and Cassandra were known for having special powers: they could see into the future!

Helenus: The Prince Who Could See the Future

Helenus was a prince of Troy, but he was more than just royalty. He had a special gift from the gods: he could predict what was going to happen. This made him a very important advisor, especially during the long and difficult Trojan War. His ability to see the future was a powerful tool, but sometimes people didn't believe him, which caused problems.

His Prophetic Powers

Helenus was a seer, which means he could see the future. This gift was often linked to the god Apollo. Unlike his sister Cassandra, whose prophecies were never believed, Helenus's predictions were often taken seriously, especially by the Greeks later on. He could understand omens, interpret dreams, and give advice based on what he saw coming. This made him a valuable, though sometimes tragic, figure in the story of Troy.

Helenus and the Trojan War

During the Trojan War, Helenus used his powers to help his city. He tried to warn the Trojans about dangers and advise them on how to win battles. However, even with his special gift, Troy was destined to fall.

The Capture of Helenus

Towards the end of the war, Helenus was captured by the Achaeans (the Greeks). The Greek hero Odysseus was often involved in these clever plans. The Greeks knew that Helenus had special powers and believed he could tell them how to finally defeat Troy.

Giving Advice to the Greeks

Once captured, Helenus was forced to share his prophecies with the Greeks. He told them several important secrets that helped them win the war. For example, he revealed that they needed to bring the hero Philoctetes and his magical bow to Troy. He also told them they needed to steal the Palladium, a sacred statue that protected the city. These pieces of advice were crucial for the Greeks' victory.

After the Trojan War

After Troy was destroyed, Helenus was one of the few Trojan heroes who survived. His story continued in a new land.

Life with Neoptolemus

Helenus traveled with Neoptolemus, the son of the great Greek hero Achilles. Neoptolemus took Helenus and Andromache, the wife of the fallen Trojan hero Hector, with him. Helenus eventually married Andromache after Neoptolemus left. They settled in a part of Epirus (modern-day Albania) and built a new life.

Founding a New Troy

Helenus became a king in Epirus. He founded a city called Buthrotum, which he tried to make look like Troy. He wanted to remember his old home and keep its spirit alive. He was known as a wise and just ruler. When the Trojan hero Aeneas visited him, Helenus gave him important prophecies and advice for his journey to found Rome.

Images for kids

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  A sketch illustration of Helenus, the Trojan prince and seer.

See also

In Spanish: Héleno para niños