Greek MythsFamous Myths

Polyxena's Sacrifice

A Trojan princess chooses a dignified death over a life of captive shame.

1 min read

5 characters

Illustration for Polyxena's Sacrifice - a famous myths Greek Myths story with moral lessons

1 min5

Story Summary

Discover the tragic tale of Polyxena's Sacrifice, where the Trojan princess chooses a noble death over a life of slavery to appease the ghost of Achilles.

As the fires of Troy died down to embers, the victorious Greeks prepared to sail home. However, the ghost of Achilles rose from his tomb, demanding a share of the spoils: the sacrifice of Polyxena, the youngest daughter of King Priam. The Greeks, fearing the wrath of the dead hero and desperate for favorable winds, agreed. Neoptolemus, the son of Achilles, led the princess to his father’s burial mound. While her mother, Hecuba, pleaded for her life, Polyxena remained remarkably composed. She refused to be bound or treated as a slave. Addressing the Greek warriors, she declared that she chose death freely to preserve her dignity, preferring the underworld to a life of servitude in a conqueror's house. With a steady gaze and bared throat, she met the blade of Neoptolemus. Even as she fell, she took care to fall decently, shielding her body with her robes, leaving the Greeks in silent awe of her courage.

The Moral

True nobility and freedom are found in the strength of one's character and the refusal to let others break one's spirit, even in the face of death.

“I yield my life gladly, for death is a kinder master than slavery.”

Fun Fact

In Euripides' tragedy 'Hecuba,' Polyxena’s death is described as so graceful that it was considered a 'masterpiece' of feminine virtue and stoicism in the ancient world.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the moral of Polyxena's Sacrifice?

The moral is that dignity and inner freedom are more precious than a life lived in shame or servitude. Polyxena demonstrates that one can maintain their honor even when they have lost everything else.

Who killed Polyxena in Greek mythology?

Polyxena was sacrificed by Neoptolemus, also known as Pyrrhus, who was the son of the legendary hero Achilles. He performed the deed at his father's tomb to appease his spirit.

Why did the ghost of Achilles demand Polyxena?

Achilles' ghost claimed that the Greeks had not honored him sufficiently after his death. He demanded the sacrifice of Polyxena to ensure the Greek fleet received the favorable winds needed to return home.

Was Polyxena in love with Achilles?

In some later versions of the myth, Polyxena and Achilles were secretly in love, and it was this romance that led Achilles into the ambush where he was killed. However, in earlier accounts, she is simply a chosen victim of war.

How did Polyxena show her courage during the sacrifice?

She refused to be held down or bound by the soldiers, insisting that she die as a free woman. Her composure and concern for her modesty even in her final moments moved the Greek army to tears.

What happened to Polyxena's mother, Hecuba?

Hecuba was forced to witness the sacrifice of her daughter after already losing her husband and many sons. This final tragedy contributed to her overwhelming grief and eventual transformation into a dog in some myths.