Greek Myths XS: The Story of Palladium

The chemical element Palladium is trendy, both in high-tech applications and in the fantasy world of movies. The name refers to the most valuable statue of antiquity: the “palladion” in Troy, a wooden image of patron goddess Pallas Athena. (She added the name Pallas to her own as an hommage to the only love of her life, her childhood girlfriend.) The palladion had fallen from the sky, and as long as it was safely kept in the citadel, Troy would stand strong. The city’s fate was sealed when the Greek heroes Odysseus and Diomedes stole it. It’s possible however, that they only took a reproduction, and that the Trojan prince Aeneas took the real statue to Italy. copy, but according to some myths, they only took a reproduction. He would found a new Troy, which would later lead to the foundation of Rome. The palladion was kept there for centuries, under the vigilant care of the Vestal virgins. In a world that was transitioning to monotheism, it stood as a powerful testament of the traditional beliefs. Which is probably why church father Tertullian described it as “just a rough stake, a shapeless piece of wood.”

Diomedes and Ulysses bearing off the Palladium, Gaspare Landi, private collection

Diomedes and Odysseus stealing the Palladium, vase, Musée du Louvre, Paris, France

Did you know?

• Some myths claim that Athena grew up in the household of Triton, son of ocean god Poseidon. She became best friends – and more – with his daughter Pallas. When she accidently killed Pallas in a javelin throwing competion, she would add Pallas’ name to her own as a tribute.