The aim of this paper is to analyse how the son of Hector and Andromache is characterized in a selection of literary texts, dating back from Homer to Quintus Smyrnaeus, paying special attention to the moment of his death. The presence in the literary tradition of two different versions – in some cases, Astyanax is a victim of murder, in others of suicide – in an episode of deep emotional tension, constitutes the central element of our paper. In addition, we will try to interpret, from a cultural and anthropological pers‑ pective, how classical authors represent the last moments in Astyanax’ life, highlighting the transformation and permanence of mythological motifs.
