Which Greek hero wounded the goddess Aphrodite?

Diomedes was the Greek hero who wounded the goddess Aphrodite. In Book 5 of Homer’s Iliad, Diomedes is granted special divine vision by Athena, allowing him to distinguish gods from mortals on the battlefield. Athena specifically tells him that he may attack Aphrodite if she enters the fighting.

When Aphrodite attempts to save her son Aeneas, Diomedes drives her away and wounds her in the wrist. She drops Aeneas and retreats to Olympus, where she complains to her mother, Dione. Zeus then reminds her that warfare is not her proper sphere and contrasts her with Athena, the goddess of strategic war.

The scene reflects Homer’s sharp division between divine roles. Aphrodite represents love, desire, and family protection, while Diomedes’ success comes through martial courage and Athena’s guidance. Apollo ultimately protects Aeneas, preventing Diomedes from killing him. A common mix-up is confusing this episode with Diomedes’ later attack on Ares, which also occurs during the same battle sequence.