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 wreathes, and he died in the greatest agonies. This punishment.