Automedon: The Charioteer With Two Immortal Horses
Automedon was a charioteer in the Achaean forces in the infamous Trojan war. He was responsible for two immortal horses of Achilles, Balius, and Xanthos. Apart from his role as a charioteer, there is more depth and character to Automedon. Read ahead as we take you through the life of Automedon and his importance in Greek mythology.
Automedon’s Origin
Automedon comes from very humble origins unlike the rest of the characters in Greek mythology and the Trojan war. However, not much information is present about his family or family name. What we know is that Automedon was the son of a local named Diores, a simpleton, and no other information about his life other than being a charioteer for Achilles is present.
Homer, in the Iliad, was the first to write about Automedon. The Illiad is the most famous ancient Greek poem in which Homer writes about Greek mythology, its characters, and tribulations. He refers to him as Automedon the charioteer in the Iliad. The only reason why Automedon is mentioned anywhere in history, through poems or anecdotes is because of the role he played in Achilles’ life and the Trojan war.
Automedon and Achilles
Achilles is one of the greeted heroes of all time in Greek mythology. He was the son of Peleus and Thetis. Achilles was born as a mortal but Thetis converted him into an immortal being by dipping him in the River Styx by holding his heel. So all of Achilles became immortal except for his heel which is why Achilles’ heel is so famous.
Automedon was the charioteer of Achilles in the Trojan war. The war proved to decide the fate of Greek mythology. It was later prophesied that if Achilles was not present in the war, the Greeks would have lost. Nevertheless, Achilles won the war alongside his charioteer, Automedon.
Achilles had two immortal horses, Balius and Xanthos. In the war, Automedon was assigned the task to yoke up Balius and Xanthos and help Achilles. Other than the war, Automedon had the best intentions for Achilles at heart. He acred for Achilles deeply and would stand by him through thick and thin.
Automedon and Patroclus
After Achilles had withdrawn from the battle, Automedon took the horses back to the pavilion. He later entered the war for the second time with Patroclus, who was his closest friend of Achilles. The pair was well known for always spending their time together, riding horses, or simply enjoying life.
When Automedon brought Patroclus to the battlefield on Balius and Xanthos, a lot of rumors started going around. It was thought that maybe Achilles is dead or gravely injured which is why his friend, Patroclus is on his chariot. Hector, the Trojan prince saw Patroclus enter the battlefield. Euphorbos’ spear hit Patroclus and later Hector stabbed and killed him with another spear to his stomach.
The death of Patroclus was very sad for Achilles and his horses. The horses ran off the field after they saw Patroclus’ death. Automedon went after the horses to calm them down.
Automedon and Neoptolemus
After Achilles withdrew from the Trojan war and Patroclus’ death, Automedon went into the battlefield the third time. This time he was a charioteer for Neoptolemus, Achilles’ son. Achilles had already told Neoptolemus the war strategy beforehand. Now that Achilles was in mourning because of the death of his dear friend, Patroclus, it was up to Neoptolemus to fulfill his father’s wishes.
Automedon and the Trojan War
The Greeks won the Trojan war. It was because of various sacrifices and exceptional war planning. Even though the part played Automedon’s song of Achilles and chariot riding skills were small, they were still efforts. Every time Automedon went into the battlefield, he risked his life as the rest of the soldiers did. In the end, the sweet victory was his and all of his companions.
Automedon’s Death
Automedon played a great role in the Trojan war and miraculously came out of it alive. However, Homer does not name Automedon again in the Iliad which shows that there is no solid information present on the life and death of Automedon after the trojan war.
Given the warfare experience of Automedon and his life in the Achaean troops, it would only be fitting that he died on a battlefield, defending his and his people’s honor.
However, as we look at The Aeneid written by Virgil, it surprisingly mentions Automedon once. It narrates that Automedon was present at the sacking of Troy which confirms that he did not die in the Trojan war.
Conclusion
Automedon was a charioteer in the most famous war in Greek mythology, the Trojan war. His name is tied to some of the most important Greek war heroes. The Iliad explains the role of the Automedon incident in the lives of Achilles and Patroclus. Here is the conclusion on the life and adventures of Automedon of the Greek Mythology:
Automedon was a spectacular charioteer on the side of the Greeks in the Trojan war. He played the role of a charioteer in the war for Achilles, his best friend, Patroclus and Achilles’ son, Neoptolemus.- Automedon was great with horses thus he was a charioteer. He was given the charge of two of the most magnificent horses in the Greek kingdom, Balius and Xanthos. These were the two horses of Achilles and the most interesting thing about these horses was that they were immortal.
- Automedon went into the battlefield three times. The first time he carried Achilles, then Patroclus, and lastly Neoptolemus.
- No information is present on the death of Automedon. Neither the works of Homer nor Virgil say anything about Automedo’s death. There are proofs that Automedon got out of the Trojan war alive so he probably died sometime after it.
Automedon is a name that is mentioned not too far away whenever the famous Greek warrior, Achilles, and the Trojan war are all mentioned. He was a dedicated friend, a brave warrior, and an exceptional human being who fought for the Greeks in the Trojan war. Here we come to the end of the article.
