King Menoetius

Description

 * He was short and built like a bull. He was the second oldest of the men who went as suitors for Helen. He is described as having a black beard. He was about fifty years old when Patroclus is nine.
 * Menoetius married Philomela when she was 14. She was an only child, and he would receive a large dowry for her, including the carved lyre with gilded tips.
 * Suspicious of Patroclus for not becoming sickly as a child, as the other children were.
 * He is very disappointed in his son, Patroclus. When he sees five year old Achilles, he says "That is what a son should be."

Family

 * Son: Patroclus
 * Wife: Philomela
 * "When they at last pulled off the veil, they say my mother smiled. That is how they knew she was quite stupid. Brides did not smile."

Helen

 * He wished for Patroclus to marry Helen, daughter of the King of Sparta, King Tyndareus.
 * He presents a gift of gold, while the other suitors have brought gifts of bronze, wine, oil, or wood.
 * He says that he "would make Helen the queen of my palace. For my wife, as you know well, is not fit to rule. My wealth exceeds all of these young men, and my deeds speak for themselves." To this, Odysseus says, "I thought the suitor was your son."

Other

 * Some kings kept rugs at the front of their throne rooms for messengers to kneel on. He did not prefer this, and would have them kneel on the stone.