The Tragic Fates of Hector’s Family After the Fall of Troy

The Trojan War, a legendary conflict between the city of Troy and the Achaeans (Greeks), was not only a titanic clash of armies but also a crisis for the personal lives of those caught in its shadow. Among the most prominent figures of the Trojan army was Hector, whose death at the hands of the great warrior Achilles brought about significant changes for his family.

Journey of Andromache

Andromache, Hector’s wife, and their son, Astyanax, were deeply affected by the fall of Troy. After Hector’s death at the hands of Achilles, Andromache was captured by Neoptolemus, known as Pyrrhus, the son of Achilles. Neoptolemus brought her to Greece as a captive, and she was made his concubine. Despite the traumatic experiences, Andromache adjusted to her new life, and according to some tales, she bore at least one son, Pausanias, who was named Pielus or Pergamus, later founding the city of Pergamum.

Tragic End of Astyanax

Astyanax, the infant son of Hector, was at a critical stage in his life when his father died. The Greeks saw in him a potential threat to their rule, and some versions of the myth suggest that he was thrown from the walls of Troy by Odysseus to ensure he could not grow up to seek revenge for his father’s death. However, in other versions, Neoptolemus, who also took Andromache as a captive, is credited with the act. Despite his tragic end, Astyanax’s fate remains a poignant reminder of the brutal reality of war.

Aftermath and New Beginnings

Following the death of Neoptolemus and the marriage of Andromache to Hector’s brother, Helenus, the descendants of Trojans continued to make their mark in Greek and Roman mythologies. In one version, Andromache and Neoptolemus, after Neoptolemus’ death, returned to Phthia together with Hēlenos, where Andromache bore a son named Molossos. Molossos later became the founder of the Molossian kingdom in Epirus. However, in other versions, Helenos founded the city of Bouthrotos in the northeast coast of Corfu, influenced by the prophecy of Aeneas in Virgil's "Aeneid."

Throughout these tales, the fates of Astyanax and Andromache serve as a testament to the lasting impact of war on individual lives. Their stories reflect the broader themes of loss, suffering, and the search for identity and continuity amidst tumultuous times.

Conclusion

The fall of Troy brought about not just the end of a great city but also the untold stories of its people. The tales of Andromache and Astyanax, though contained in ancient myths, continue to inspire and captivate us, reminding us of the profound and lasting effects of war on individuals and societies.