Nestor's Cup (mythology) facts for kids
In Greek mythology, Nestor's Cup was a famous golden mixing cup. It belonged to the wise hero Nestor. This special cup is described in the ancient Greek poem called the Iliad. It might have also appeared in other old stories from the Epic Cycle. Even though it's only mentioned briefly in the Iliad, many ancient writers found Nestor's Cup very interesting.
The Cup in the Iliad
Nestor's Cup is described in Book 11 of the Iliad. This part of the story tells about a time when Machaon, a healer and son of Asclepius, was hurt by Paris during the Trojan War. Nestor took Machaon back to the Greek camp. There, a special healing drink was made for Machaon in Nestor's famous cup.
The Iliad describes the cup as very beautiful. It was decorated with gold studs. It had four handles, and on each handle, there were two golden doves that looked like they were eating. The cup also had two feet to stand on. It was so big and heavy that most people would have struggled to lift it when it was full. But the old hero Nestor could lift it easily.
Here is how the Iliad describes it: There was also a cup of rare workmanship which the old man had brought with him from home, studded with bosses of gold; it had four handles, on each of which there were two golden doves feeding, and it had two feet to stand on. Any one else would hardly have been able to lift it from the table when it was full, but Nestor could do so quite easily. —Translated by Samuel Butler, 1898
Other Ancient Stories
Besides the Iliad, Nestor's Cup might have been mentioned in other ancient Greek poems. These poems are part of what is known as the Epic Cycle. Some experts believe there were older stories about Nestor's brave actions when he was young. These stories might have also featured his special cup. For example, it's thought the cup could have appeared in a poem called the Cypria. This poem tells about events leading up to the Trojan War. In one part, Nestor gives advice to Menelaus after Helen was taken away. The cup might have been present during this scene.
See also
In Spanish: Copa de Néstor para niños
