The wife of Peirithous (also spelled Pirithous), the King of the Lapiths in Greek mythology, is Hippodamia.
Hippodamia's name itself is significant, translating from Ancient Greek as "she who masters horses" (Ἱπποδάμεια). This name is derived from the Greek words ἵππος (hippos), meaning "horse," and δαμάζειν (damazein), meaning "to tame" or "to master."
Key Details About Hippodamia
Hippodamia is primarily known for her marriage to Peirithous and the dramatic events that unfolded at their wedding.
- Husband: Peirithous (also known as Pirithous), King of the Lapiths.
- Parentage: Her parentage is debated in various myths, with some traditions identifying her as the daughter of Atrax, Butes, or Adrastus.
- Mythological Event: Her wedding to Peirithous is famous as the setting for the Centauromachy, the epic battle between the Lapiths and the Centaurs.
The Significance of the Wedding Feast
The marriage of Peirithous and Hippodamia is one of the most pivotal events in Greek mythology involving her. This celebratory occasion turned into a brutal conflict, showcasing the clash between civilization and barbarism.
- The Guests: Peirithous, in an effort to acknowledge their kinship, invited the Centaurs (his half-brothers through their shared father, Ixion) to the wedding feast.
- The Outbreak of Violence: During the festivities, the Centaurs, unaccustomed to wine and its effects, became drunk and unruly. Under the leadership of Eurytion, they attempted to abduct Hippodamia and other Lapith women.
- The Centauromachy: Peirithous, alongside his close friend Theseus and other heroes, valiantly fought against the Centaurs to protect the women. This legendary battle, the Centauromachy, became a classic theme in ancient Greek art and literature, symbolizing the victory of order and reason over primal chaos.
Hippodamia's role, though central to this foundational myth, often places her as the catalyst for this grand conflict rather than an active participant in the combat itself.
For more information regarding Hippodamia, the wife of Peirithous, you can consult her entry on Wikipedia.
