Laocoön and the Trojan Horse: The Priest Who Warned Troy

Laocoön, a Trojan priest of Apollo, famously warned the Trojans against accepting the massive wooden horse left by the Greeks during the Trojan War. Suspecting a trap, he urged them to burn it, famously stating, "I fear the Greeks, even bearing gifts." The Trojans ignored him, bringing the horse inside their walls — leading to their downfall when Greek soldiers emerged at night.

As punishment for his warning (or for an earlier offense against the gods), Laocoön and his sons were killed by sea serpents sent by Athena or Poseidon. His story symbolizes the tragedy of unheeded truth.