Asteropaios

In the Homeric tradition Asteropaios is presented as a mortal Paeonian leader, son of Pelagon and grandson of the river-god Axios. His lineage connects him genealogically to a river-divinity (Axios) but he is portrayed as a human warrior who arrived at Troy shortly before the events narrated in the Iliad and fought as leader of a Paeonian contingent allied with the Trojans.

Classical sources do not supply an extended physical portrait beyond martial details and possession of notable arms. Homeric narration highlights his role as a Paeonian leader and warrior; he is recorded as throwing two spears at once and as owning valuable equipment (a bronze-and-tin corslet and a silver-studded sword), the latter later awarded as prizes at Patroclus' funeral games. No detailed bodily description (height, facial features, or clothing beyond his corslet and sword) is given in the supplied sources.

Documented Homeric features emphasize martial skill rather than supernatural power. He is described as ambidextrous and capable of throwing two spears simultaneously; in Iliad Book XXI this ability allows one spear to strike Achilles' shield while the other grazes Achilles' forearm and draws blood. He functions as leader of a Paeonian contingent (participating in the assault in Book XII) and his courage in Book XXI is narrated as being stimulated by river-divine activity (the river-god Scamander/Xanthos, angered by Achilles, instills courage in him). Ultimately he is mortal and is slain by Achilles.