Neoptolemus

Also known as: Achilles' battle-eager son / Achilles' fleetfoot son / Achilles' giant son / Achilles' glorious son / Achilles' hero son / Achilles' son / Achilles’ son / Bold-hearted child of aweless Aeacus' son / Peleides' fierce-heart son / Peleides' son / son of Achilles from Scyros / the Aeacid's son · Family: The Greeks · Role: warrior · First appears: Book III · Part 1

In the tenth year of the war, Calchas urged that Odysseus and Diomedes sail to Scyros to bring Achilles’ son to the Argives. Menelaus promised him Hermione in marriage if he came to their aid and Menelaus returned home. At Scyros, Neoptolemus agreed to go if summoned by oracle, despite Deidameia’s pleas and tears; he said, “If my weird be To die in my country's cause, then let me die / When I have done deeds worthy of my sire.” He eventually left with the household men his mother had chosen, and sailed with Odysseus to Troy.

At Troy, Neoptolemus put on his father’s armor and spear, fought from the ramparts, and killed many Trojans. Phoenix embraced and welcomed him, and the Greeks honoured him with gifts and a feast. He fought alongside Odysseus, Diomedes, and Leonteus, helped drive Eurypylus son of Telephus from the wall, and later killed him. Across the fighting, Neoptolemus slew many more Trojans, rallied the Greeks when they were fleeing, and led them in pursuit. When Greek forces were in danger, he left the pursuit to go to their aid; later, he entered the wooden Horse with the other Greek heroes.

During the sack of Troy, Neoptolemus killed Pammon, Polites, Antiphonus, and Agenor, and beheaded Priam at the altar. Andromache became his captive. At Achilles’ tomb, he sacrificed Polyxeina to fulfil his father’s demand.