Story Summary
Explore the myth of Meleager and the Calydonian Boar, a tale of a legendary hunt, a cursed wooden brand, and the tragic consequences of familial pride.
When Meleager was born, the Fates predicted he would live only as long as a certain brand on the hearth remained unconsumed by fire. His mother, Althaea, immediately snatched the wood from the flames and hid it away to preserve her son's life. Years later, King Oeneus of Calydon neglected to sacrifice to Artemis, who in her fury sent a monstrous boar to ravage the countryside. Meleager summoned Greece's greatest heroes for a hunt, including the swift huntress Atalanta. Though the men resented her, Atalanta drew first blood. Meleager eventually delivered the killing blow but insisted the prize—the boar's hide—belonged to Atalanta for her bravery. Meleager’s uncles, outraged that a woman should receive such honor, attempted to steal the prize. In a fit of protective rage, Meleager slew his uncles. Devastated by the death of her brothers, Althaea pulled the hidden brand from its chest and cast it into the fire. As the wood turned to ash, Meleager’s life flickered out, ending the tragedy of Calydon.
The Moral
Uncontrolled anger and familial pride can lead to self-destruction, proving that even the greatest heroes cannot escape their destiny.
“His life remained within the half-burned wood, preserved by a mother's love, then consumed by her rage.”
Fun Fact
The Calydonian Boar hunt is one of the great 'all-star' events in Greek myth, featuring heroes like Jason, Theseus, and Telamon long before the Trojan War.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Artemis send the Calydonian Boar?
Artemis sent the boar as a divine punishment because King Oeneus, Meleager's father, forgot to include her in his harvest sacrifices to the gods.
Who was Atalanta in the story of Meleager?
Atalanta was a famous huntress and the first person to wound the boar; Meleager fell in love with her and awarded her the trophy, sparking the fatal family feud.
What was the significance of the wooden log or brand?
The brand was tied to Meleager's life force by the Fates; as long as the wood remained unburned, Meleager would remain alive and invincible.
How did Meleager die?
Meleager died when his mother, Althaea, threw the magical brand into the fire to avenge her brothers, whom Meleager had killed in a dispute over the boar's hide.
Who killed the Calydonian Boar?
While Atalanta drew first blood, Meleager delivered the final, fatal blow with his spear, officially ending the beast's reign of terror.
What is the primary conflict in the Meleager myth?
The conflict is two-fold: the physical struggle against the divine beast and the internal family struggle between Meleager’s love for Atalanta and his loyalty to his mother's kin.
