Laocoon

Laocoon was a priest of Poseidon in ancient history, specifically mentioned in the Greek mythology. According to the legend, Laocoon was a king of the city of Troy during the Trojan War, which took place in the late Bronze Age. He was a son of Antenor and Theano, and the brother of Antiphus.

Laocoon was known for his opposition to the introduction of the Trojan Horse into the city, a device of guile engineered by the Greeks to help them conquer the city of Troy. Laocoon foresaw the danger posed by the horse, which was perceived to be a gift from the Greeks. He tried to warn the Trojans about the horse and its purpose, but he was ignored.

The gods, particularly Apollo and Poseidon (who was outraged by the abuse of his priest), decided to punish Laocoon for his defiance. Laocoon,. was subsequently punished by two giant serpents sent by the god, which attacked and killed him and his two sons. The image of Laocoon being attacked by the serpents has been depicted by numerous artists in Western art history, most famously, probably, in the famous Hellenistic sculpture of Laocoon and his Sons.

The story of Laocoon has endured over the centuries as a powerful ancient Greek myth representing a tale of loyalty and the following decrees of the gods.