Laocoon

Laocoon was a Trojan priest. He tried to warn the Trojans against taking the Trojan Horse into the city. He uttered the famous line, 'beware the Greeks bearing gifts' (timeo Danaos et dona ferentes). Unfortunately, the Trojans ignored him. Laocoon, in anger and desperation, threw a spear at the wooden horse. Poseidon, the god of the seas and staunch supporter of the Greeks, was enraged. He sent serpents from his depths which killed Laocoon and his sons before the Trojans' eyes. For some reason, the Trojans still seemed to think the horse was a safe bet.....