Troilus

Troilus and Polyxena took their horses to a watering place. They stayed together beside the water when Achilles launched a sudden ambush against them. Troilus fled as soon as Achilles attacked. Polyxena was there when the attack began, but she took no further part after Troilus started to run.

Troilus ran towards Apollo’s temple. He sought refuge there because he believed that its protection could keep him safe from Achilles. Achilles followed him closely as he escaped. Troilus reached the temple before Achilles caught him, and he entered it hoping to avoid his pursuer.

The temple did not protect Troilus. Achilles entered after him and found him inside. He killed Troilus within Apollo’s temple, ending the pursuit that had begun at the watering place. Troilus had not yet reached his twentieth year when he died. His death therefore came before the age at which his survival was said to have secured Troy’s safety, or before the age that had been set for his continued life.

Troilus was named as a son of Priam and Hecuba. In another telling, Apollo was his father. Polyxena was also a daughter of Priam and Hecuba, but she did not act again after the ambush. Achilles left Troilus dead inside Apollo’s temple.