Sarpedon (Trojan War hero)

Sarpedon was a Lycian prince and hero in the Trojan War, son of Zeus and Laodamia, daughter of Bellerophon. As a son of Zeus, Sarpedon was granted an exceptionally long lifespan, though not immortality. He led the Lycian contingent fighting on the side of the Trojans, commanding alongside his cousin Glaucus.

Sarpedon is prominently featured in Homer's Iliad, where he is depicted as a noble and courageous warrior, often giving wise counsel to his fellow Trojan allies, particularly Hector. He is especially known for his fierce attack on the Achaean wall protecting the ships, where he rallied his troops with powerful speeches about the obligations of leadership and the pursuit of glory.

In Book XVI of the Iliad, Sarpedon confronts Patroclus, Achilles' close companion. Zeus, torn between his desire to save his son and his obligation to the Fates, briefly considers intervening to rescue Sarpedon from death. However, Hera persuades him not to, arguing that such intervention would undermine the natural order and invite other gods to do the same for their mortal offspring. Zeus ultimately allows Sarpedon to be killed by Patroclus, but commands Apollo to cleanse his body, anoint it with ambrosia, clothe it in immortal garments, and convey it to Lycia for proper burial.

The death of Sarpedon is a pivotal moment in the Iliad, highlighting the themes of fate, mortality, and the responsibilities of gods towards their mortal children. The incident also underscores the tragic nature of the Trojan War, where even the noblest heroes, regardless of their divine lineage, are subject to the limitations of human existence. His death is avenged by Hector who kills Patroclus, although Patroclus' death ultimately leads to Achilles rejoining the battle.

Sarpedon's shield was believed to have depicted the image of a Minotaur.