The Story of Hector
Hector was the eldest son of King Priam and Queen Hecuba of Troy and the heir to the throne. He married Andromache, a princess whose father and brothers were later killed by Achilles. They had a baby son, Astyanax, whose name means lord of the city.
When the Greeks came to Troy to win back Helen, Hector became the leader of the Trojan army and the city's greatest defender. He often scolded his brother Paris for starting the war and for avoiding the fighting. Yet he never wavered in his duty to defend his family and his people.
In the Iliad, Hector challenged the best of the Greeks to single combat, and Ajax the Great accepted. They fought until night fell, and neither could defeat the other. The two warriors parted with respect, Hector giving Ajax a sword and Ajax giving Hector a belt.
Before returning to battle, Hector said goodbye to Andromache and their son at the gates of Troy. Andromache begged him to stay, and the baby cried in fright at the plumed crest on his helmet. Hector laughed, took the helmet off and held his son in his arms, praying that the boy would grow up to be greater than his father.
While Achilles refused to fight, Hector led the Trojans to the edge of victory. They broke through the wall around the Greek camp and set fire to one of the ships. When Patroclus came out in Achilles' armor, Hector killed him and stripped the famous armor from his body.
Achilles returned to the battle in a fury. Hector waited alone outside the walls, refusing his parents' pleas to come inside, but when he saw Achilles coming, he ran, and Achilles chased him three times around the city. Athena tricked Hector by appearing as his brother Deiphobus, and when he turned to fight, Achilles killed him and dragged his body behind his chariot.
Priam later went to Achilles in secret and ransomed his son's body. The Trojans mourned Hector for nine days, and the Iliad ends with his funeral. After Troy fell, the Greeks threw little Astyanax from the walls, but Hector has been remembered ever since as one of the noblest heroes of the Trojan War, a man who fought for his home rather than for glory.
Famous Myths About Hector
Farewell to Andromache
Before returning to battle, Hector said goodbye to his wife Andromache and their baby son Astyanax at the gates of Troy. The baby was frightened by the crest of his father's helmet, so Hector took it off, laughed, and held his son in his arms.
The Duel with Ajax
Hector challenged the best of the Greeks to single combat, and Ajax the Great answered. They fought until nightfall without a winner, then parted with respect and exchanged gifts, a sword from Hector and a belt from Ajax.
The Death of Patroclus
When Patroclus led the Greeks into battle wearing Achilles' armor, Hector killed him and stripped the famous armor from his body. This victory sealed Hector's own fate by bringing the furious Achilles back to the war.
The Ransom of Hector
Achilles killed Hector outside the walls of Troy and dragged his body behind his chariot. Guided by Hermes, King Priam crossed the Greek camp at night and kissed the hands of Achilles, who was moved to pity and returned the body for a proper funeral.
Hector's Family Tree
Parents of Hector
Partners of Hector
Children of Hector
Frequently Asked Questions About Hector
Who was Hector in Greek mythology?
Hector was the eldest son of King Priam and the greatest warrior defending Troy in the Trojan War. He is remembered as a noble fighter and a devoted husband and father.
Who were Hector's parents?
Hector's parents were Priam and Hecuba, the king and queen of Troy.
Who was Hector's wife?
Hector's wife was Andromache, and their young son was Astyanax. Their farewell on the walls of Troy is one of the most moving scenes in the Iliad.
Who killed Hector?
Achilles killed Hector outside the walls of Troy to avenge the death of Patroclus, then dragged his body behind his chariot.
What happened to Hector's body?
King Priam secretly went to Achilles's tent and begged for his son's body. Moved by the old man's grief, Achilles returned it, and the Iliad ends with Hector's funeral.
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