Neoptolemus facts for kids
Neoptolemus (also called Pyrrhus) is a famous character from Greek mythology. He played a very important part in the Trojan War, one of the most well-known stories from ancient Greece.
Neoptolemus was the son of the great Greek hero Achilles and a princess named Deidamea. The ancient Greeks believed that the Trojan War could not be won without him.
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Who Was Neoptolemus?
Neoptolemus was a brave warrior, but he was also known for his harsh actions during and after the Trojan War. His name means "new warrior," and he certainly lived up to it.
His Role in the Trojan War
Neoptolemus joined the Greek army later in the Trojan War. He was brought to Troy because a prophecy said the Greeks could not win without him. During the final battle, when the Greeks entered the city using the Trojan Horse, Neoptolemus was one of the warriors hidden inside.
- He killed King Priam, the old king of Troy, during the city's fall.
- He also killed Astyanax, the young son of the Trojan hero Hector.
- Neoptolemus offered Polyxena, a Trojan princess, as a sacrifice to honor his dead father, Achilles.
- After the war, he took Helenus, a Trojan prince, and Andromache, Hector's widow, with him as captives.
After the War and His Death
After the Trojan War ended, Neoptolemus traveled to Epirus, a region in ancient Greece. He became a king there. However, his life ended tragically.
He was killed by Orestes, another famous figure from Greek mythology. This happened because Neoptolemus was going to marry Hermione, who Orestes wanted to marry himself.
Images for kids
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Neoptolemus and Andromache, by Pierre-Narcisse Guérin
See also
In Spanish: Neoptólemo para niños
