Greek Mythology
Troezen — Greek Mythology
Troezen is a city in the eastern Peloponnese, known in the legend of Theseus as the place where he was born and raised. Its importance comes chiefly from the royal succession story linking Aegeus, Aethra, Pittheus, and Theseus.
Overview
Troezen lies on the eastern side of the Peloponnese, near the coast, with routes to Athens by sea and overland to the north. The stories describe it as a coastal city with hillsides, olive trees, open ground outside the city for training, and a gate leading to roads beyond the city.
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Role in Greek Mythology
In the legend of Theseus, Troezen is the place where Aegeus, king of Athens, stops after leaving Delphi. Pittheus, the local king, receives Aegeus and brings his daughter Aethra into close contact with him; Theseus is then born in Troezen and grows up in the palace of his grandfather Pittheus.
The city also preserves the central sign of Theseus' hidden identity. Before leaving, Aegeus hides his sword and sandals beneath a great stone and tells Aethra to have their son retrieve them when he is grown, then go to Athens with the tokens. When Theseus lifts the stone and takes out the sword and sandals, Troezen becomes the starting point of his move from local prince to heir of Athens.
Geographical Background
The stories place Troezen within the travel network between Athens and the Peloponnese. From Troezen to Athens, the sea route is described as faster and safer, while the land route passes through the Isthmus, mountain roads, woodland, seaside cliffs, and regions haunted by robbers. Theseus chooses the overland road when he leaves Troezen, making the city the starting point for his series of deeds clearing the road of danger.
Troezen is also connected with the legend of Hippolytus. Artemis finally declares that Hippolytus' name will be honored in the region of Troezen, and that girls will cut off a lock of hair for him before marriage. The city is therefore not only a setting from Theseus' youth, but also a place that preserves a commemorative tradition tied to his family's tragedy.
Related Stories
"The Birth and Youth of Theseus" mentions this place: Aegeus comes to Troezen, is received by Pittheus, and there the groundwork is laid for Theseus' birth and later recognition by his father.
"Theseus' Journey to His Father" mentions this place: Theseus retrieves the sword and sandals left by his father in Troezen, then chooses to travel to Athens by land.
"Theseus in Athens" mentions this place: Theseus enters Athens as a young man from Troezen and is recognized by Aegeus through the sword and sandals.
"Theseus and the Minotaur" mentions this place: Theseus is described as having grown up not in Athens but in Troezen, coming to Athens only later.
"Theseus Takes the Throne" mentions this place: when Aegeus recalls Theseus, the story of his departure from Troezen, his lifting of the great stone, and his recovery of the tokens forms part of his identity.
"Phaedra and Hippolytus" mentions this place: Artemis foretells that Hippolytus will be honored in the region of Troezen.