AGAMEDES (builder of temple at Delphi)
Figure of myth · mythical character, builder of temple at Delphi
- Parents
- Erginus
- Siblings
- Trophonius
- Consorts
- Epicaste
- In the sources
- 13 ancient passages
Agamedes, a figure of the ancient world, was the son of Stymphalus and the father of Cercyon. [f: 1, 2]1,2,3 Some accounts name Erginus as his father, a man who took a young wife after consulting the oracle, making Agamedes the brother of Gortys. [f: 5, 6, 7]4,5,3 He was three generations removed from Arcas and identified as Anchasian in an inscription on a chamber. [f: 19, 4]3,6
Agamedes was described as being dear to the deathless gods.4 He and Trophonius built the sanctuary of Horse Poseidon near Mantineia using oak logs, though the temple was traditionally said to be made of stone. [f: 12, 17, 13]7,8 Together, they constructed the fourth temple at Delphi, with Agamedes helping lay the stone footing for the foundations. [f: 3, 10]4,8 He also built the second shrine at Delphi and a chamber for Amphitryon in a house at Thebes. [f: 14, 8]9,6
Inquirers call upon Agamedes while sacrificing a ram over a pit before descending. [f: 15]10 He was trapped in a contrivance designed to catch thieves of silver and gold.11 Trophonius beheaded Agamedes to prevent his brother from being tortured for information. [f: 18]11
The codex facts behind this entry
In the myths
Agamedes constructed the fourth temple at Delphi alongside Trophonius. Hymn III to Delian Apollo ll. 294-299 +1
