LAOCOON, in fabulous history, a son of Priam and Hecuba, or according to others of Antenor or of Capys. As being priest of Apollo, he was commissioned by the Trojans to offer a bullock to Neptune to render him propitious. During the sacrifice two enormous serpents issued from the sea, and attacked Laocoon's two sons who stood next to the altar. The father immediately attempted to defend his sons; but the serpents falling upon him squeezed him in their complicated wreaths, and he died in the greatest agonies. This punishment
punishment was said to have been inflicted upon him for dissuading the Trojans to bring into the city the fatal wooden horse which the Greeks had consecrated to Minerva, as also for his impiety in hurling a javelin against the sides of the horse as it entered within the walls. According to Hyginus, he suffered the above punishment for his marriage against the consent of Apollo, or, according to others, for his polluting the temple, by his commerce with his wife Antiope, before the statue of the god.