Medon (mythology) facts for kids

"Medon" was a name used for many different people in ancient Greece, both in their amazing myths and in real history! The name itself means "lord" or "ruler" in Ancient Greek. Let's learn about some of the most famous people named Medon.

Medon, the Brave Warrior of Troy

One important Medon was a brave leader in the Trojan War. He was the son of Oileus, who was king of Locris. This Medon was also the half-brother of a famous hero named Ajax the Lesser.

Medon had to leave his home in Phylace because he accidentally killed a relative of his stepmother. During the Trojan War, he took command of the army that belonged to Philoctetes. Philoctetes had been bitten by a snake and left on an island because his wound was very bad and smelled terrible. Sadly, Medon was killed in battle by the Trojan hero Aeneas.

Medon, the Trojan Prince

Another Medon was a prince of Troy. He was one of the many sons of Antenor and Theano. His brothers included well-known figures like Acamas and Agenor.

This Medon also fought in the Trojan War. He was killed by the skilled archer Philoctetes. Later, in the myths, Aeneas met this Medon in the Underworld, the land of the dead.

Medon, the Loyal Herald of Odysseus

In the famous story of Homer's Odyssey, there was a Medon who was a very loyal messenger, or "herald," to the hero Odysseus. When Odysseus finally returned home to Ithaca after many years, he found his palace filled with men trying to marry his wife, Penelope. These men were called "suitors."

Odysseus, with the help of his son Telemachus, killed most of the suitors. However, Telemachus asked his father to spare Medon's life because Medon had always been kind to him. Odysseus agreed. After the fighting, Medon tried to help Odysseus by explaining that the gods had approved of Odysseus's actions.

Medon, the Suitor of Penelope

Interestingly, there was another Medon in the Odyssey, but he was one of the "cruel" suitors who wanted to marry Penelope. This Medon came from a place called Dulichium with many other suitors.

Unlike the loyal herald, this Medon was not spared. He was killed by Odysseus during the battle in the palace. Odysseus had help from his son Telemachus and his loyal servants, Eumaeus and Philoetius.

Medon, the First Ruler of Athens

In ancient Greek history, a very important Medon was the first archon of Athens. An archon was like a chief ruler or magistrate. This Medon was the son of Codrus, a legendary king of Athens.

Medon had a limp in one foot. Because of this, his brother, Neileus, thought Medon shouldn't rule. However, the famous oracle at Delphi (a place where people sought advice from the gods) declared that Medon should be the ruler. So, Medon became the first archon, starting a new period of leadership in Athens.

Other Medons in Mythology

The name Medon appears in many other Greek myths too! Here are a few examples:

• One Medon was a Tyrrhenian pirate who tried to capture the god Dionysus. As punishment, Dionysus turned the pirates into fish or dolphins.
• Another Medon was a centaur, a creature that is half-human and half-horse. He was present at the wedding of Pirithous and Hippodamia.
• A Medon was one of the Dolionians, a group of people who were accidentally killed by the heroes known as the Argonauts.
• There was also a Medon who was a "cunning craftsman" from Cilla. He was the father of two sons, Metalcas and Zechis, who both died in the Trojan War.

See also

• Medon (disambiguation)