Polyxena

Overview

Polyxena is a Trojan princess, daughter of Priam and Hecuba, whose later tradition ends with her sacrifice at the tomb of Achilles after Troy falls.

Generation

Trojan War

Notes

Polyxena belongs to the final tragedy of the Trojan royal family.

She is a daughter of Priam and Hecuba and therefore a sister of figures including Hector, Paris and Cassandra.

Her most famous story belongs mainly to later Greek tradition rather than the central narrative of Homer's Iliad.

After Troy has fallen, the ghost of Achilles demands or becomes associated with a sacrifice at his tomb.

Polyxena is selected as the victim.

Ancient treatments often emphasise her courage and dignity in facing death, although the exact circumstances vary between sources.

Her sacrifice is important because it takes place after the military defeat of Troy. The war is effectively over, yet violence against the Trojan royal family continues.

Polyxena therefore becomes one of the clearest symbols of the human cost of the war's aftermath.