Chryses (priest of Apollo)

In Greek mythology, Chryses was a Trojan priest of Apollo at [Chryse (ancient Greek language|Greek placename)|Chryse], near the city of Troy.

Family

According to a tradition mentioned by Eustathius of Thessalonica, Chryses and Briseus were brothers, sons of a man named Ardys.

During the Trojan War, Agamemnon took Chryses' daughter Chryseis from Moesia as a war prize. When Chryses attempted to ransom her, Agamemnon refused to return her. Chryses prayed to Apollo, and he, in order to defend the honor of his priest, sent a plague sweeping through the Greek armies. Agamemnon was forced to give Chryseis back in order to end it. The significance of Agamemnon's actions lies not in his kidnapping Chryseis, but in his refusal to release her upon her father's request.