Women, Weird and Wonderful: Hesione, the kingmaker

For a failed attempt to topple Zeus’ leadership, Poseidon and Apollo were sentenced to work one year for king Laomedon of Troy. But after almost singlehandedly building the walls around the city, they recieved no pay. So of course, Poseidon sent a seamonster, and demanded the sacrifice of sweet princess Hesione. Luckily, ever-so-awesome Herakles was just passing by and saved the girl. As his reward, he demanded the magnificent horses that Laomedon’s father Tros (hence Troy) had received in exchange for Zeus’ toyboy Ganymedes. Laomedon hadn’t learned anything, refused again, and saw his city destroyed by Herakles and his friend Telamon. There was a little fall out, when Telamon beat Herakles in breaking through the walls, but they quickly reconciled and Telamon got Hesione as a bride. She then offered him a unique golden veil, if he’d spare the life of her brother Podarkes. Podarkes would become king Priam and rebuilt the city, only to see it sacked again in the infamous Trojan war.

Hesione Vase, Column Crater, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, USA

Hercules and Hesione, mosaic, St. Paul Trois Châteaux, Musées Avignon, France

Did you know...

• The name "Priamos" means "the one who was bought", in this case with Hesione's golden veil.