Priam was the last king of Troy, ruling during the events of the Trojan War. Renowned for his nobility and tragic fate, he fathered many notable figures, including Hector, Paris, and Cassandra. His reign saw both the zenith of Trojan power and its ultimate downfall.
Family and Relations
- Father: Laomedon, former king of Troy.
- Mother: Various accounts name Strymo, Placia, or Leucippe.
- Wives:
- Arisbe: Daughter of the seer Merops.
- Hecuba: Daughter of King Dymas of Phrygia; mother to many of Priam’s children.
- Children: Priam is said to have had fifty sons and many daughters. Notable among them:
- Hector: Troy’s foremost warrior.
- Paris: His abduction of Helen sparked the Trojan War.
- Cassandra: Prophetess cursed never to be believed.
- Helenus: Seer and twin of Cassandra.
- Deiphobus, Troilus, Polydorus, Polites, Laodice, Polyxena, Creusa.
Key Myths and Deeds
- Survival and Ascension: Originally named Podarces, he was the sole surviving son of Laomedon after Herakles‘ attack on Troy. His sister Hesione ransomed him, and he took the name Priam upon becoming king.
- Judgement of Paris: Priam’s decision to allow Helen to remain in Troy, following Paris’s abduction of her, led to the Greek expedition against the city.
- Ransom of Hector: In a poignant episode from Homer’s Iliad, Priam bravely entered the Greek camp to plead with Achilles for the return of Hector’s body. His heartfelt appeal moved Achilles to relent, allowing for Hector’s proper funeral rites.
- Death: During the sack of Troy, Priam sought refuge at the altar of Zeus. There, he was slain by Neoptolemus (also known as Pyrrhus), the son of Achilles, marking the tragic end of Troy’s royal lineage.
Modern Appearances
Books and Literature
- “The Iliad” by Homer: Priam’s role as a grieving father and dignified king is central to the epic’s themes of honor and mortality.
- “The Aeneid” by Virgil: Depicts Priam’s death during Troy’s fall, emphasizing the brutality of war.
- “King Priam” by Michael Tippett: An opera exploring Priam’s personal struggles and moral dilemmas during the Trojan War.
Film and Television
- “Troy” (2004): Peter O’Toole portrays Priam, highlighting his nobility and the emotional depth of his character.
- “Troy: Fall of a City” (2018): David Threlfall’s portrayal presents a nuanced depiction of Priam’s leadership and familial bonds.
Opera and Theater
- “King Priam” by Michael Tippett: Premiered in 1962, this opera delves into Priam’s internal conflicts and the tragic choices he faces as a leader and father.
Video Games
- “Total War Saga: Troy”: Features Priam as a central figure, with gameplay elements reflecting his role in the defense of Troy and the management of its affairs.