Fact-checked by Grok 2 weeks ago

Automedon

In , Automedon (Ancient : Αὐτομέδων) was the son of Diores and served as the skilled charioteer and loyal companion of the hero Achilles during the , driving the immortal horses Balius and into battle. A trusted member of the Myrmidon forces, he was second only to Achilles in honor among the troops and participated in key actions, including arming for combat alongside and evading Hector's spear while defending the Achaean ships after Patroclus's death. Later in the war, following Achilles' death, Automedon took on the same role for Achilles' son , yoking the divine horses to aid in the final assaults on . Automedon's appearances are primarily in Homer's , where he is depicted handling practical duties such as yoking the horses, fighting in , and assisting Achilles in camp, underscoring his reliability and prowess as a warrior-squire. In Book 17, he slays the Trojan Aretus amid the chaos of battle, stripping his armor and briefly easing his grief over , before retreating with the grieving horses. Post-Homeric traditions, such as those in Quintus Smyrnaeus's , extend his service to , emphasizing his continuity in supporting the Achilles lineage during the war's climactic phases. Though not a central , Automedon's role highlights the essential support structures of , blending expertise with battlefield valor.

Etymology and Background

Name and Origins

The name Automedon (Ancient Greek: Αὐτομέδων) appears in primarily as the charioteer of Achilles. According to later traditions, such as in Hyginus' Fabulae, Automedon was born on the island of , from where he led ten ships to the expedition. However, in Homer's , he is depicted as a member of the forces from . He was the son of Diores and grew up among the , the loyal Thessalian warriors under Achilles' command. His early life in this martial environment positioned him as a trusted figure within Achilles' inner circle, distinct from more prominent heroic lineages. Although the name Automedon occasionally appears in peripheral mythological contexts referring to minor figures, such as unnamed attendants or locals in lesser tales, its canonical and primary identification remains with the charioteer associated with Achilles during the Trojan War. This distinction underscores his unique role in the epic tradition, rooted in the Myrmidon heritage.

Family Lineage

Automedon was the son of Diores, a prominent Achaean leader mentioned in Homer's Iliad as commanding the Epeians from Elis during the Trojan War. Despite Diores' primary association with Elis, he is identified as Automedon's father, integrating him into the Myrmidon context, though traditions primarily tie Diores to Elis, with possible connections to Argos. Diores met his death early in the conflict, struck by a jagged stone on the ankle by the Thracian warrior Peiros, son of Imbrasus, followed by a fatal spear thrust to the midsection that spilled his entrails. Little is documented regarding Automedon's maternal heritage or siblings in primary sources. His role as a hetairos—a trusted comrade-in-arms—to Achilles underscores a , albeit subordinate, status within the Myrmidon , positioning him among the warriors sworn to the Aeacid line without implying direct . This elevated companionship highlights his integration into the social fabric of Phthian , where loyalty and martial prowess defined familial and political bonds.

Role in Greek Mythology

Service to Achilles

Automedon served as the trusted charioteer to Achilles during the , demonstrating exceptional skill in managing the hero's divine team of horses. These immortal steeds, and Balios, were gifted to Achilles' father by on the occasion of his marriage to , and they were known for their extraordinary speed and fiery temperament, born to the Podarge and the Zephyrus. Automedon's mastery was evident in his ability to yoke and control these horses, as seen when he harnessed them alongside a third mortal horse, Pedasos, to prepare for battle in the . His handling of their divine nature required not only technical prowess but also an understanding of their willful behavior, as they could weep for fallen comrades and resist commands in moments of grief. In his role, Automedon ensured swift and reliable transportation between the Greek camp and the , facilitating Achilles' and ' movements during critical phases of the conflict. He frequently drove into combat, positioning the to support the ' assaults while maintaining the team's cohesion amid the chaos of war. Similarly, after ' death, Automedon yoked and Balios for Achilles, leaping onto the and urging the horses forward with the lash to carry the enraged hero into the fray, underscoring his dependability in high-stakes transitions. This reliability extended to logistical duties, such as preparing the horses for rapid deployment, which allowed Achilles to focus on combat without concern for his conveyance. Automedon's adaptability shone in instances of substitution, particularly following ' death when the immortal horses, overwhelmed by sorrow, initially refused to obey and bolted uncontrollably. Recognizing the need for assistance, he called upon his comrade Alcimedon to take the reins, praising him as the only other Achaean capable of curbing the steeds' spirit besides himself, thus enabling the chariot to continue functioning effectively. This collaboration highlighted Automedon's loyalty and quick thinking, ensuring the divine team's utility persisted even in crisis, as he later yoked them again for Achilles' vengeful pursuit.

Key Events in the Trojan War

During ' aristeia in the , served as his charioteer, yoking ' immortal horses and Balios to the while donned ' armor to rally the and repel the Trojan assault on the Greek ships. As they charged into battle, Automedon skillfully drove the horses, enabling to slay numerous Trojans and , including the Lycian leader , forcing the enemy to retreat toward their city walls. , driven by Automedon, pressed the attack relentlessly, but after slaying Cebriones, 's charioteer, dismounted and was mortally wounded by Apollo, , and , leading Automedon to whip the grieving horses and withdraw the empty from the fray to avoid capture. Following ' death, Automedon continued to fight from the in the ensuing over his comrade's body, where he stripped the armor from fallen s amid the chaos. With Alcimedon taking over as charioteer at Automedon's urging, the pair mounted a vigorous defense against a counterattack led by , , and Chromius, who sought to seize Achilles' . Automedon hurled his from the , which pierced Aretus' and belt, striking him in the lower belly and causing him to fall backward before stripping his armor. then aimed his at Automedon but missed, striking the ground, while Automedon and Alcimedon evaded further assaults by maneuvering the immortal with swift turns and rapid retreats, ultimately compelling the s to abandon their pursuit.

Literary Depictions

In Homer's Iliad

In Homer's , Automedon appears primarily as the loyal charioteer and trusted comrade of Achilles, embodying the ideal of subordination within the Myrmidon ranks. He is introduced in Book 16 as the second most honored figure after among Achilles' followers, underscoring his pivotal role in supporting the hero's martial endeavors. His actions throughout the epic highlight themes of unwavering and the interconnected fates of Achilles' inner circle, particularly in the wake of Achilles' withdrawal from battle due to his wrath against . Automedon's most prominent appearance occurs in Book 16, where he prepares and drives the chariot for during the Myrmidons' assault on the Trojans. At ' command, Automedon yokes Achilles' immortal horses, Xanthus and Balius, alongside the mortal Pedasus, demonstrating his expertise and reliability: "At his bidding then Automedon led beneath the yoke the fleet horses." During the battle, he maneuvers the chariot to enable ' attacks, but when Pedasus falls, Automedon swiftly cuts the traces to prevent disaster, preserving the immortal pair's effectiveness and allowing the fight to continue. After ' death at Hector's hands, Automedon escapes with the horses, fleeing Hector's pursuit and symbolizing the temporary retreat of Achilles' divine gifts amid the chaos of loss. These passages portray him as a skilled and proactive subordinate whose quick thinking sustains the Myrmidon offensive, reinforcing the unity of Achilles' hetairoi (comrades). In Book 17, Automedon's role shifts to recovery and defense following ' fall, emphasizing the emotional and tactical toll of Achilles' absence. He mounts the grieving immortal horses, which refuse to move until intervenes, granting them strength to carry Automedon safely from the fray: "in your knees and in your heart will I put strength, to the end that ye may also bear Automedon safe out of the war to the hollow ships." Lamenting that only could fully master the divine steeds, Automedon fights on foot, slaying the Aretus with Alcimedon's aid and stripping his armor in partial solace for . Described as the "valiant son of Diores" and "peer of swift ," he exemplifies martial prowess amid grief, illustrating how Achilles' wrath extends suffering to his dependents and fractures Myrmidon cohesion. His therapōn (attendant) status to both and Achilles further binds him to their shared identity, as he assumes temporary command of the chariot team. Automedon receives a brief but affirming mention in Book 23 during the for , where Achilles tasks him with retrieving a consolation —a bronze corselet—for the fallen charioteer Eumelus: "He spake, and bade his dear comrade Automedon bring it from the hut and he went and brought it." This act of service, without competitive involvement, reinforces his enduring loyalty in a moment of communal mourning, tying the ' rituals to the epic's exploration of loss. Throughout these depictions, Automedon is characterized as a steadfast subordinate, often invoked with epithets like "godlike Automedon," which underscore his heroic stature and skill despite his secondary role. His narrative arc—from enabling ' aristeia to safeguarding Achilles' property and aiding funeral rites—highlights the ' internal solidarity while exposing the broader costs of Achilles' isolation, as the group's effectiveness hinges on the absent hero's return.

In Virgil's Aeneid

In Virgil's Aeneid, Automedon appears briefly in Book 2 as part of Aeneas's account of Troy's destruction, highlighting the ferocity of the Greek assault on the city. During the sack of Priam's palace, he joins the forces led by Pyrrhus (Neoptolemus, son of Achilles) in breaking through the defenses and setting the structure ablaze. At line 477, Virgil describes Automedon as armiger Automedon, the armor-bearer and charioteer (equorum agitator Achillis) of Achilles, advancing alongside the massive Periphas and the entire band of Scyrian youths to hurl firebrands onto the palace roof. This depiction places him in Pyrrhus's immediate retinue, contributing to the chaotic invasion that overwhelms the royal household and culminates in widespread slaughter, including members of Priam's family. Unlike his prominent role in Homer's Iliad as Achilles's skilled charioteer managing the divine horses Xanthos and Balios, Automedon here fights on foot without any reference to a chariot or horses, adapting the character to the ground-level brutality of the Trojan perspective in the Roman epic. Ancient commentator Servius notes this shift explicitly, observing that while Automedon was Achilles's charioteer in Greek tradition, Virgil assigns him as Pyrrhus's armor-bearer to fit the scene's demands. The omission of equestrian elements underscores the Greeks' transformation into relentless infantry storming the city, viewed through Aeneas's eyes as a survivor of the catastrophe.

Mentions in Other Ancient Works

In ' Posthomerica, a third-century AD epic that extends the narrative beyond Homer's , Automedon maintains his role as charioteer, transitioning his service to Achilles' son upon the hero's arrival at . In Book 8, Automedon delivers Achilles' immortal horses—sired by the and born to the Podarge—to , enabling him to pursue the retreating Trojans. Book 9 further depicts Automedon driving ' chariot into the fray near the River, where he identifies the Trojan leader amid the chaos and urges a charge against him, highlighting Automedon's tactical awareness and continued loyalty to the Myrmidon line. Ovid briefly alludes to Automedon in his Ars Amatoria (1st century BC), portraying him as the exemplary charioteer of Achilles to underscore the poet's own proficiency in "driving" the pursuits of love: "Automedon was skilled with Achilles's chariot reins." This reference reinforces Automedon's established identity as a master handler of swift horses without introducing new mythological events. The later pseudo-chronicle Dictys Cretensis (4th century AD), presenting a historical account of the war, similarly positions Automedon as Achilles' steadfast companion and charioteer. During Achilles' withdrawal from battle in anger over Hippodamia, Automedon remains in the hero's hut alongside Patroclus and Phoenix, emphasizing his intimate role in the Myrmidon circle. Later, in Book 3, Automedon is sent by Achilles to summon Priam for the ransom of Hector's body, illustrating his utility in diplomatic moments. Ancient scholia on the , including those preserved in Eustathius of Thessalonica's 12th-century commentary, occasionally expand on Automedon's minor exploits and parentage as son of Diores, linking him to broader Myrmidon traditions without altering core events.

Artistic and Cultural Representations

Ancient Art and Iconography

In , Automedon is most frequently depicted in vase paintings as Achilles' charioteer, often managing the divine horses Xanthus and Balius during key episodes such as the arming of or battles following his death. These representations emphasize Automedon's role in controlling the immortal steeds, which are portrayed rearing or straining against their harnesses, symbolizing their prophetic awareness of as described in Homer's . His depictions are cataloged extensively in the Lexicon Iconographicum Mythologiae Classicae (LIMC), with numerous examples highlighting his equestrian role. In red-figure vases, he appears in dynamic scenes, sometimes labeled by inscription, highlighting his loyalty and skill amid chaos. For instance, a late 4th-century BC Apulian bell-krater from in the Hope Collection depicts Automedon in the battle over ' body, fighting while and Chromius advance. South Italian red-figure vases, influenced by styles, provide additional examples where Automedon drives the in or processions. Another Apulian volute-krater near the Varrese Painter (ca. 340s BC, Museum of Fine Arts) places Automedon armed and crouching near Achilles in a scene involving Thersites' death, with the horses implied in the broader context (LIMC Automedon 48). In some cases, Automedon remains anonymous as , focusing iconographic attention on the horses' divine attributes—snorting muzzles and flowing manes—to evoke their speech in the . Sculptural depictions of Automedon are rare. A black-figure (early style, Sicilian ) illustrates a dragging around ' tomb, with —likely Automedon—in a short , helmeted and wielding and , as ' winged soul hovers above. These motifs link directly to events like the horses' mourning, reinforcing Automedon's subordinate yet essential presence in heroic .

Modern Adaptations and Interpretations

In , Automedon appears as a in Madeline Miller's 2011 novel , a retelling of Homer's from Patroclus's perspective, where he is depicted as Achilles's youthful and exceptionally skilled charioteer, highlighting themes of unwavering loyalty amid the . Miller portrays Automedon as a constant companion who matures through the conflict, underscoring his role in facilitating Achilles's battlefield prowess without seeking personal glory. Automedon's presence in visual media remains limited but notable in educational contexts. In the 2004 film , directed by , the character is referenced indirectly through depictions of Achilles's charioteer during key battle sequences, serving as a minor figure to emphasize the hero's mobility and divine horses, though not named explicitly in the screenplay. More prominently, Automedon features in illustrations within children's mythology books, such as Helen A. Clarke's 1908 A Child's Guide to Mythology, which includes a reproduction of Henri Regnault's painting Automedon with the Horses of Achilles to visually introduce young readers to his role in managing the immortal steeds and Balios. Scholarly interpretations often frame Automedon as a symbol of subordinate heroism in Homeric epic, representing the therapōn—a loyal attendant whose agency supports the primary hero's actions without claiming independent fame, as seen in analyses of his interchangeable roles with and Alcimedon during combat. This view positions him within the Iliad's hierarchy of companionship, where his bond with Achilles exemplifies ritual substitution and collective valor rather than solitary prowess. In Robert Fagles's 1990 translation of the , introductory notes and glosses briefly highlight Automedon's technical expertise with the horses to underscore themes of divine-human interdependence, influencing modern readings that emphasize his understated contributions to Achilles's legacy.

References

  1. [1]
    HOMER, ILIAD BOOK 17 - Theoi Classical Texts Library
    And Automedon, the peer of swift Ares, despoiled him of his armour, and exulted, saying: "Verily a little have I eased mine heart of grief for the death of ...
  2. [2]
    BALIUS & XANTHUS (Balios & Xanthos) - Theoi Greek Mythology
    "For him [Akhilleus (Achilles)] Automedon [his charioteer] led the fast-running horses under the yoke, Xanthos (Xanthus) and Balios (Balius), who tore with the ...
  3. [3]
    HOMER, ILIAD BOOK 16 - Theoi Classical Texts Library
    And in the front of all two warriors arrayed themselves for war, even Patroclus and Automedon, both of one mind, to war in the forefront of the Myrmidons.
  4. [4]
    QUINTUS SMYRNAEUS, THE FALL OF TROY BOOK 8
    onward they whirled him, those immortal steeds, the which, when now he longed to chase the foe back from the ships, Automedon, who wont to rein them for his ...
  5. [5]
    HOMER, ILIAD BOOK 9 - Theoi Classical Texts Library
    And Automedon held them for him, while goodly Achilles carved. Then he sliced the meat with care and spitted it upon spits, and the son of Menoetius, a ...
  6. [6]
    HOMER, ILIAD BOOK 19 - Theoi Classical Texts Library
    And Automedon grasped in his hand the bright lash, that fitted it well, and leapt upon the car; and behind him stepped Achilles harnessed for fight ...
  7. [7]
    User-submitted name Automedon - Behind the Name
    Derived from Greek αὐτός (autos) meaning "self" combined with the Greek noun μέδων (medon) meaning "ruler" (see Medon). This name was borne by a Greek ...
  8. [8]
  9. [9]
  10. [10]
  11. [11]
    Diores - ToposText
    Homer, Iliad, §2.620 of some was the son of Amarynceus captain, even mighty Diores; and of the fourth company godlike Polyxeinus was captain,, -1000.
  12. [12]
  13. [13]
  14. [14]
  15. [15]
  16. [16]
  17. [17]
  18. [18]
    Homer (c.750 BC) - The Iliad: Book XVI - Poetry In Translation
    Book XVI includes Patroclus asking to fight, the ships burning, Achilles sending Myrmidons, Patroclus's death, and the death of Sarpedon.
  19. [19]
  20. [20]
    Homer (c.750 BC) - The Iliad: Book XVII - Poetry In Translation
    BkXVII:481-542 Automedon kills Aretus. At his words, Alcimedon mounted the swift war-chariot, and grasped the reins and whip, while Automedon leapt to the ...Missing: Aretos | Show results with:Aretos
  21. [21]
  22. [22]
  23. [23]
    Part I. Hour 6. Patroklos as the other self of Achilles
    The wording used by Automedon in Iliad XVII (475-478) in describing Patroklos as the best of all charioteers is most relevant to his own role as a charioteer.Missing: sources | Show results with:sources
  24. [24]
  25. [25]
  26. [26]
  27. [27]
    therapontes and hetairoi, in the iliad, as symbols of - jstor
    Automedon, specifically, is the therapon of his hetairos Patroclus and of his hetairos Achilles; two of his hetairoi regard him as their therapon.73 This raises ...
  28. [28]
  29. [29]
  30. [30]
  31. [31]
    [PDF] HETAIREIA IN HOMER John Elias Esposito A dissertation ... - CORE
    The scholarly neglect of hetaireia is all the more serious insofar as hetairoi are vital to both Homeric poems. The turning-point of the Iliad, and the cause of ...
  32. [32]
  33. [33]
    Ch. 5. Iliad 23 - The Center for Hellenic Studies
    Achilles gives last prize to Nestor as a memorial of Patroclus, whom he will never see again. By accepting it, and telling the story of his own youthful race, ...
  34. [34]
    The Iliad - Standard Ebooks
    Jan 29, 2020 · Godlike Automedon, the charioteer. Of swift Aeacides; but him the steeds. Fleet-footed and immortal, which the gods. Bestowed on Peleus ...
  35. [35]
    VIRGIL, AENEID BOOK 2 - Theoi Classical Texts Library
    With him huge Periphas and Automedon his armour bearer, driver of Achilles' horses; with him all the Scyrian youth close on the dwelling and hurl flames on to ...
  36. [36]
    Virgil (70 BC–19 BC) - Aeneid: II - Poetry In Translation
    Virgil: The Aeneid, Book II: a new downloadable English translation ... Huge Periphas, and Automedon the armour-bearer,. driver of Achilles's team, and all ...
  37. [37]
    Servius, Commentary on Virgil's Aeneid - ToposText
    § 2.477 ARMIGER AUTOMEDON Pyrrhi armiger: nam Achillis auriga fuit. SCYRIA PUBES a Scyro insula, una de Cycladibus, in qua Lycomedes fuit, pater Deidamiae ...
  38. [38]
    QUINTUS SMYRNAEUS, THE FALL OF TROY BOOK 9
    Automedon marked the Trojan chief, and knew him. To his lord straightway he named that hero war-renowned: "My king, this is Deiphobus' array -- the man who from ...
  39. [39]
    Ovid (43 BC–17) - Ars Amatoria: The Art of Love, Book I
    Automedon was skilled with Achilles's chariot reins,. Tiphys in Thessaly was steersman of the Argo,. Venus appointed me as guide to gentle Love: I'll be known ...
  40. [40]
    DICTYS CRETENSIS BOOK 2 - Theoi Classical Texts Library
    He preferred to stay in his hut with only Patroclus, his closest friend, and Phoenix, his wise teacher, and Automedon, his charioteer. [35] Meanwhile, at ...
  41. [41]
    DICTYS CRETENSIS BOOK 3 - Theoi Classical Texts Library
    When Achilles learned of Priam's arrival, he sent Automedon to summon the king. He himself waited, holding the urn that contained the bones of Patroclus. [21] ...<|control11|><|separator|>
  42. [42]
    Text | Homeric Iliad - Kosmos Society
    Automedon held the meat while radiant Achilles chopped it; he then sliced the pieces and put them on spits while [210] the son of Menoitios made the fire ...
  43. [43]
    [PDF] Pots & Plays - Getty Museum
    The book explores the interaction between Greek tragedy and vase painting in the 4th century BC, where viewers of the vases were also familiar with the ...
  44. [44]
    [PDF] a catalogue and a discussion of the Hope Collection of Greek vases ...
    runs Achilles (?) r. He wears a tall-crested, broad-visored helmet and drapery over his shoulders. On his. 1. arm is a shield with ivy-pattern on it, in his ...
  45. [45]
    Fondation pour le Lexicon Iconographicum Mythologiae ... - iconiclimc
    Seattle Art Museum · gem · mirrors · relief · sculpture in the round of metal · vase painting ... Automedon | Automedon 1 | Automedon 10 | Automedon 11 | ...
  46. [46]
    Automedon Character Analysis in The Song of Achilles - LitCharts
    Automedon is Achilles's extremely young charioteer; Peleus places Automedon at Achilles service for the Trojan War. Patroclus notes that Automedon's skills ...
  47. [47]
    Characters from The Song of Achilles: Mortals - Madeline Miller
    Automedon. Achilles' charioteer, skilled at handling his divine, headstrong horses. After Achilles' death, he served his son Pyrrhus. Briseis. Taken captive ...
  48. [48]
    Troy (2004) - Full cast & crew - IMDb
    Cast ; Julian Glover in For Your Eyes Only (1981). Julian Glover · Triopas ; Brian Cox: June 1. Brian Cox · Agamemnon ; Nathan Jones · Boagrius ; Adoni Maropis.<|separator|>
  49. [49]
    A Child's Guide to Mythology by Clarke, Helen A. - AbeBooks
    14–30 day delivery 30-day returnsHardcover in very good condition. Gilt title on cover and spine. Black and white frontis of Automedon and the Horses of Achilles.
  50. [50]
    Comments on the Homeric Iliad and Odyssey, by Gregory Nagy ...
    Dec 1, 2022 · ... hero Automedon. Does this hero function here not only as the 'attendant' of Patroklos but also as that hero's very own 'ritual substitute'?