In Greek mythology, Deidamea, or Deidamia (Δηιδάμεια), was the daughter of Lycomedes, King of Skyros. Deidamia is one of King Lycomedes's seven daughters with whom Achilles was concealed—some versions say he was hidden in Lycomedes's court as one of the king's daughters, some say as a lady-in-waiting under the name Pyrrha.

Despite the fact that Achilles and Deidamea could have been as young as eight years old, the two soon became romantically involved to the point of intimacy. After Odysseus arrived at Lycomedes's palace and exposed Achilles as a young man, Achilles decided to join the Trojan War, leaving behind a pregnant, heart-broken Deidamia.

Their son, Neoptolemus, later joined his father in the Trojan War but was eventually killed by Orestes.

Majolica pottery, Deidamia, Nicolo da Urbino (fl. 1515 - 1540)

Alternative: Deidamia

The last opera of German-British Baroque composer George Frideric Handel is called "Deidamia" (1740) and deals with her fate.


Mythology Images

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