The Story of Sarpedon
Sarpedon was a prince of Lycia and, in Homer, a son of Zeus and the mortal princess Laodamia. Some later tellings mix him up with an older Sarpedon, a son of Zeus and Europa and a brother of Minos. In the Iliad, he leads the Lycians, allies of Troy, together with his cousin Glaucus.
Sarpedon was one of the bravest fighters on the Trojan side, and he gave Glaucus a famous speech about why kings must fight in the front ranks. Since death comes to everyone in the end, he said, they should win glory or give it to others. When Patroclus attacked in Achilles' armor, Sarpedon stood against him and was killed.
Zeus had considered saving his son, but Hera warned that the other gods would then rescue their own children too, so he let fate run its course and wept a rain of blood upon the earth. He sent Apollo to wash and anoint Sarpedon's body, and the twin gods Sleep and Death carried it home to Lycia for a proper burial. The Lycians honored Sarpedon as a hero long afterward.
Famous Myths About Sarpedon
The Death of Sarpedon
Zeus saw that his son Sarpedon was fated to die at the hands of Patroclus and considered saving him. Hera warned that other gods would then rescue their own children, so Zeus let fate take its course and wept a rain of blood upon the earth.
Carried Home by Sleep and Death
After Sarpedon fell, Zeus sent Apollo to wash his body and anoint it with ambrosia. The twin gods Hypnos and Thanatos then carried him home to Lycia so his people could give him a proper burial.
Sarpedon's Family Tree
Parents of Sarpedon
Partners of Sarpedon
Children of Sarpedon
Frequently Asked Questions About Sarpedon
Who was Sarpedon in Greek mythology?
Sarpedon was a king of Lycia and one of the bravest allies of Troy in the Trojan War.
Who were Sarpedon's parents?
In the Iliad, Sarpedon is the son of Zeus and Laodamia, a daughter of the hero Bellerophon.
How did Sarpedon die?
Sarpedon was killed by Patroclus. Zeus wept tears of blood for his son, then had Hypnos and Thanatos, the gods of Sleep and Death, carry his body home to Lycia for burial.
Explore More Heroes of Greek Mythology
