Who was Penthesilea in Greek mythology?
Penthesilea was a Thracian woman warrior and Amazon queen who fought at the Trojan War. She was the daughter of Ares and Otrera, sister to Hippolyta, Antiope, and Melanippe.
Questions about Penthesilea
Short answers, pulled from the story.
When did Penthesilea die during the Trojan War?
Achilles killed Penthesilea after she distinguished herself on the battlefield for one day. Her death occurred before Achilles faced Memnon and died himself.
Where is Penthesilea buried according to medieval romances?
Her body was taken to the Thermodon River for burial along the Terme River. Various temple burial sites attest to her heroic status as Amazon queen in the Middle Ages.
What opera premiered in 1927 based on Penthesilea?
Swiss composer Othmar Schoeck created a ninety-minute one-act opera named Penthesilea that premiered in Dresden in 1927. The work was based on Heinrich von Kleist's drama titled Penthesilea.
Why did Penthesilea enter the Trojan War?
Penthesilea entered the Trojan War out of reverence for the Trojan hero Hector. She came to Troy because she had fallen in love with the virtuous knight Hector from afar and promised to avenge his death.