Philoctetes

Also known as: PHI / PHILOCTETES / son of Poeas · Family: Greeks · Role: son of Poeas and bearer of Heracles' bow · First appears: Sophocles, Philoctetes — Scene 1

Philoctetes, son of Poeas and bearer of Heracles’ bow, was cast out by Odysseus and the Achaean commanders after a basilisk’s tooth caused a desperate wound in his foot. Abandoned on Lemnos, he remained afflicted and alone while Odysseus later returned with Neoptolemus, whose mission was to deceive him and bring him back because prophecy required the bow for Troy’s capture. Though Neoptolemus first rejected such deceit, he agreed to it, and Philoctetes came to love and trust him.

During the attack of his pain, Philoctetes entrusted his bow to Neoptolemus, who promised not to abandon him. But when Neoptolemus revealed that he was to sail with Philoctetes to Troy, Philoctetes recognized the betrayal; Neoptolemus refused to return the bow, while Odysseus admitted taking it and ordered Philoctetes forced aboard. Odysseus then released him on the barren island, keeping the weapons, though Neoptolemus stayed behind, confessed that he had gained them through sinful means, and restored Philoctetes as their sole master. Philoctetes nevertheless firmly refused to leave Lemnos, opposing Odysseus and the commands of Agamemnon and Menelaus, whom he condemned for his exile.

At last, Heracles appeared as the minister of Zeus and commanded Philoctetes and Neoptolemus to sail to Troy rather than return home. He declared that Philoctetes would be healed, would conquer Paris and capture Troy with Heracles’ bow, and would receive relief from Asclepius. Philoctetes and Neoptolemus accepted the command and prepared to depart.