13 Legendary Betrayals in Mythology
Betrayals in mythology were not just minor slip-ups — they were events that rippled across realms, causing downfalls, curses, and even apocalyptic consequences. From gods tricking each other to humans deceiving their closest allies, these legendary betrayals altered destinies. Let’s explore 13 of the most dramatic and heartbreaking betrayals in mythology, where no one was safe from treachery.
Table of Contents
1. Loki’s Betrayal of Baldur (Norse Mythology)
Loki, the ultimate trickster, arranged the death of Baldur, the most beloved of all Norse gods. Baldur was invulnerable to everything except mistletoe. Loki, always scheming, tricked Baldur’s blind brother Hodr into throwing a spear tipped with mistletoe, killing him instantly. This betrayal was so profound that it caused the gods to mourn deeply, and according to prophecy, it set in motion the events of Ragnarok, the end of the world.
2. Zeus’ Betrayal of Prometheus (Greek Mythology)
Prometheus, the Titan who created mankind, defied Zeus by giving humanity the gift of fire. For this act, Zeus sentenced Prometheus to eternal torment — chaining him to a rock where an eagle tore out his liver every day, only for it to grow back each night. Prometheus’ suffering was a direct consequence of Zeus’ betrayal of his once-ally in the name of maintaining divine control over mortals.
3. The Betrayal of Osiris by Set (Egyptian Mythology)
Set, the god of chaos, plotted the murder of his brother Osiris to seize the throne of Egypt. Set tricked Osiris into lying in a beautifully decorated coffin, which Set then sealed and cast into the Nile River, drowning Osiris. This act of fratricide plunged the Egyptian pantheon into disorder until Osiris’ son Horus sought vengeance.
4. Pandora’s Betrayal of Humanity (Greek Mythology)
Pandora, though not malicious, opened the jar (often referred to as Pandora’s Box) given to her by Zeus, releasing all the evils of the world — sickness, death, and suffering. While her actions were driven by curiosity, they were still seen as a betrayal to humanity, as Pandora let loose endless hardship, leaving only hope inside the jar.
5. Medea’s Revenge on Jason (Greek Mythology)
Medea, who had sacrificed everything to help Jason obtain the Golden Fleece, sought revenge when he abandoned her for another woman. Betrayed and humiliated, Medea murdered their children and Jason’s new bride in a horrifying act of vengeance. Medea’s betrayal of Jason, born from love turned to rage, remains one of the most chilling stories in Greek mythology.
6. Achilles’ Betrayal of Hector (Greek Mythology)
After slaying Hector in combat, Achilles desecrated his body by refusing to return it for a proper burial. Instead, he dragged Hector’s corpse behind his chariot, violating the sacred warrior code that required respect for the dead. This act intensified the enmity between the Greeks and Trojans and led to Achilles’ own downfall.
7. Arthur’s Betrayal by Lancelot and Guinevere (Arthurian Legend)
King Arthur’s most trusted knight, Sir Lancelot, and his queen, Guinevere, fell in love, betraying the trust of their king. Their affair not only shattered Arthur’s heart but also fractured the unity of the Knights of the Round Table, leading to the eventual downfall of Camelot. This personal betrayal had monumental consequences for Arthur’s reign.
8. Hera’s Betrayal of Semele (Greek Mythology)
Hera, jealous of Zeus’ affair with the mortal Semele, tricked her into asking Zeus to reveal his true godly form. Hera knew that no mortal could survive such an encounter. When Zeus complied, Semele was instantly incinerated. Hera’s manipulation not only killed Semele but also highlighted the dangers of meddling with gods.
9. Amaterasu’s Betrayal by Susanoo (Japanese Mythology)
Amaterasu, the sun goddess, was driven into hiding by her brother Susanoo’s reckless behavior. In a fit of rage, Susanoo destroyed her rice fields and, in his ultimate act of betrayal, threw a flayed horse into her weaving room. Amaterasu, horrified, fled into a cave, plunging the world into darkness until the gods managed to coax her out.
10. Karna’s Betrayal by Duryodhana (Hindu Mythology)
In the Mahabharata, Karna, the loyal friend of Duryodhana, was betrayed when Duryodhana kept key information about Karna’s true lineage hidden from him. Karna went into battle unaware that he was the eldest Pandava, which led to his tragic death. This betrayal underscored the complexity of loyalty and the devastating effects of secrets.
11. Sigurd’s Betrayal by Gunnar and Brynhildr (Norse Mythology)
Sigurd, the legendary dragon-slayer, was betrayed by those he trusted most. After being enchanted into forgetting his love for Brynhildr, Sigurd married another woman. Enraged by this betrayal, Brynhildr convinced her husband Gunnar to murder Sigurd in his sleep. This treacherous act led to both Brynhildr’s and Gunnar’s tragic downfall, as vengeance consumed them.
12. Krishna’s Deception of Karna (Hindu Mythology)
Lord Krishna, the divine strategist in the Mahabharata, deceived Karna during the Kurukshetra war. Knowing that Karna was invincible with his celestial armor, Krishna orchestrated events so that Karna lost this protection. Later, when Karna’s chariot wheel got stuck, Krishna instructed Arjuna to strike, ensuring Karna’s demise in battle. Though a part of divine intervention, it was a strategic betrayal that sealed Karna’s fate.
13. Paris’ Betrayal of Menelaus (Greek Mythology)
The Trojan War began with a simple betrayal: Paris, prince of Troy, seduced and stole Helen from her husband, Menelaus, the king of Sparta. This act of betrayal sparked a decade-long war, with countless lives lost and the eventual destruction of Troy. Paris’ selfishness and disregard for loyalty led to one of the most infamous conflicts in mythology.
Conclusion
These 13 Famous Betrayals in Mythology highlight how acts of treachery shaped the destinies of gods, heroes, and entire civilizations. Whether driven by love turned sour, ruthless political ambition, or divine intervention, betrayal proved to be a force with devastating consequences. From the vengeful wrath of spurned lovers to cunning acts of manipulation among the Gods, these legendary betrayals remind us that trust is precious and fragile, resonating deeply across human and divine realms alike.