πηλέα
Wordform Details
Translation: Peleus
Part of Speech: noun
Inflection Type:
masculinesingulargenitiveIs Dictionary Form: No
Dictionary Form Details
Lemma: Πηλέας
Translation: Peleus (noun)
Etymology: From Ancient Greek mythology, Πηλεύς (Pēleús) was a hero-king of Phthia and father of Achilles. His name may be related to πηλός meaning 'clay' or 'mud', possibly referring to his connection to the earth as a ruler. He is famous for his marriage to the sea-nymph Thetis, which was arranged by Zeus, and for receiving the immortal horses Balius and Xanthus as wedding gifts.
Mnemonics
- Think of 'clay' (πηλός) to remember Peleus, the earthly king who married a sea nymph
- Remember 'PE-leus' as the 'Parent Extraordinary' of the great hero Achilles
Cultural Context
A significant figure in Greek mythology, particularly in the Trojan War cycle. His marriage to Thetis is a crucial mythological event that led to the birth of Achilles. The wedding of Peleus and Thetis is also famous as the event where Eris threw the Apple of Discord, leading to the Judgment of Paris and ultimately the Trojan War.
Easily Confused With
Explanation: While Πηλέας is the proper name of the mythological king, πηλός means 'clay' or 'mud'
Confused word:
Ο αγγειοπλάστης χρησιμοποιεί πηλό
The potter uses clay
Notes: The similarity between these words might not be coincidental, as Peleus's name may derive from the word for clay
Mnemonic: Peleus the person, πηλός the dirt