In Greek mythology, Agenor (/əˈdʒiːnɔːr/; Ancient Greek: Ἀγήνωρ or Αγήνορι Agēnor; English translation: 'heroic, manly')[1] was a Trojan hero.
Agenor was the son of Antenor[2][3] and Theano,[4] daughter of King Cisseus of Thrace. His siblings were Crino,[5] Acamas,[6][7] Antheus,[8] Archelochus,[9][10] Coön,[11] Demoleon,[12] Eurymachus,[13] Glaucus,[14] Helicaon,[15] Iphidamas,[16] Laodamas,[17][18] Laodocus,[19] Medon,[20] Polybus,[3][21] and Thersilochus[20]
When Achilles was routing the entire Trojan army, Agenor was the first Trojan to collect his wits and stop fleeing from Achilles' rampage.[22] Agenor felt ashamed that he was fleeing from a man who was supposedly just as mortal as anyone so he turned to face Achilles. As the Greek hero approached Agenor the latter threw his spear at him, but only hit Achilles' greaves. After that Achilles sprang at Agenor, but at that moment Apollo carried the Trojan away in a veil of mist to keep Achilles from pursuing him, while Apollo took the form of Agenor to lead Achilles away from the Trojans. This act allowed all the Trojans (except Hector) to take cover behind the walls of Troy.
Agenor killed two people in the war.[23] His son Echeclus was killed by Achilles.[24]
According to Pausanias,[25] Agenor was killed by Achilles' son Neoptolemus when the Achaeans were storming Troy through the Trojan Horse ruse.
Agenor's picture appears in the great painting in the Lesche of Delphi, by Polygnotus.[26]
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Smith, William, ed. (1870). "Agenor (6)". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.