The Story of Laertes
Laertes was the king of Ithaca and the father of Odysseus. He married Anticleia, the daughter of the cunning Autolycus. In some accounts he sailed with the Argonauts, and in his youth he took the city of Nericus on the mainland.
By the time of the Odyssey, Laertes had grown old and had handed the throne to his son. When Odysseus went to Troy and did not return, Anticleia died of grief, and Laertes left the palace to live humbly on a farm, tending his trees in ragged clothes. Penelope delayed her suitors by saying she must first weave a burial shroud for him, then secretly unraveled her work each night.
When Odysseus finally came home, he went to find his father in the orchard and proved who he was by naming the trees Laertes had given him as a boy. When the families of the dead suitors came seeking revenge, Athena breathed new strength into the old king. He cast his spear and killed Eupeithes, the father of the suitor Antinous, before Athena stopped the fighting and restored peace.
Famous Myths About Laertes
The Old Man in the Orchard
While Odysseus was away, his grieving father Laertes left the palace and lived humbly on a farm, tending his trees. When Odysseus finally came to him, he proved who he was by naming the trees his father had given him as a boy.
The Final Spear
When the families of the dead suitors came seeking revenge, Athena breathed new strength into old Laertes. He cast his spear and killed Eupeithes, the father of the suitor Antinous, before Athena stopped the fighting and restored peace.
Laertes's Family Tree
Parents of Laertes
Partners of Laertes
Children of Laertes
Frequently Asked Questions About Laertes
Who was Laertes in Greek mythology?
Laertes was a king of Ithaca and the father of Odysseus with his wife Anticlea.
Was Laertes an Argonaut?
Some ancient lists of the Argonauts include Laertes, and he is also named among the hunters of the Calydonian Boar.
What happens to Laertes in the Odyssey?
While Odysseus was away, the grieving Laertes lived on his farm tending his orchard, and Penelope delayed her suitors by weaving his burial shroud. When Odysseus returned, they were reunited in the orchard, and Athena renewed the old man's strength.
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