Menestheus facts for kids

In Greek mythology, Menestheus was a famous king of Athens during the time of the Trojan War. He became king after the heroes Castor and Pollux helped him take over. This happened when the previous king, Theseus, went to the Underworld after taking their sister, Helen. When Theseus returned, Menestheus sent him away from the city.

Menestheus's Family

Menestheus was the son of a man named Peteus. Peteus was the son of Orneus, who was the son of Erechtheus. Erechtheus was one of the very first kings of Athens. Menestheus's mother was known as Polyxene or Mnesimache.

Menestheus's Story

Menestheus was one of the many heroes who wanted to marry Helen of Troy. When the great Trojan War began, he led "fifty black ships" to Troy. In the famous story, the Iliad, it is said that Menestheus was very skilled. No one could arrange chariots and warriors in battle better than him. Only the wise old hero Nestor was as good as Menestheus at this.

The historian Herodotus also wrote about Menestheus. He called him 'the best man to go to Troy and to get the troops ready for battle.' This was said by an Athenian who asked for help from Gelon, the ruler of Syracuse.

However, Menestheus was not always seen as brave. When the leader Agamemnon was checking his soldiers, he found Menestheus hiding in the back rows. It seemed like Menestheus was trying to avoid the fighting. Later, when the hero Sarpedon attacked the part of the Greek wall Menestheus was guarding, Menestheus became scared. He had to call for help from the strong heroes Telamonian Ajax and Teucer.

Menestheus was one of the warriors who hid inside the famous Trojan Horse. After the city of Troy was captured and destroyed, he sailed away. He traveled to Mimas and then to Melos, where he became king.

When Menestheus died, the throne of Athens went back to the family of Theseus. Theseus's youngest son, Demophon, became the new king.

What is Named After Menestheus?

• 4068 Menestheus is a Jovian asteroid. This is a small rocky body that orbits the Sun, found in the same region as the planet Jupiter.

See also

In Spanish: Menesteo para niños