Definition:
Meleager was a Greek hero who was involved in the Calydonian boar hunt. Meleager had also traveled with Jason and the Argonauts on the quest for the Golden Fleece.
Meleager's parents are the war god Ares and Althaia [also spelled Althaea or Althea], according to Euripides, Apollodorus, and Ovid. Hyginus isn't sure if Meleager's father is Ares or King Oineus, who was father to many, including Hercules' bride Deianeira.
Meleager is said to have been killed by a burning brand. When her son was a week old, Althaia learned of a prophecy that her son would die when a particular piece of wood was consumed by fire. The worried mother carefully saved the wood in a chest, but when she learned her son had killed her brothers, she took it out and burned it, thereby killing her son -- according to one version.
Also Known As: Meleagros, Meleagrus
Examples:
On behalf of his father Oineus, whose kingdom was afflicted by a fierce boar sent by an irate goddess (Artemis), Meleager led a group of brave men to kill the dangerous Calydonian boar. Some of Meleager's followers died before Atalanta drew first blood and Meleager killed it.