AMPHITRYON (husband of Alcmene)
Figure of myth · figure in Greek mythology, husband of Alcmene
- Parents
- Alceus, Alcaeus
- Siblings
- Perimede
- Consorts
- Alcmene
- Children
- Heracles, Iphicles, Laonome
- Haunts and cult places
- Thebes, Argos
- In the sources
- 101 ancient passages
Raised in Argos, he was the son of Alcaeus, who was himself the son of Perseus, and he is described as being of Egyptian descent.1,2,3,4,5 He moved with the slow, tardy step characteristic of old age, yet in battle he was described as fearless.6,7 He was known as a gatherer of the people and a glorious hero, equipped with a bronze buckler taken from the defeated Pterelaus, a richly decorated sword, and a mighty sheath of lotus wood.8,9,10,11,12,13
Amphitryon’s life turned violently when he killed Electryon, the father of Alcmene, in a dispute over oxen.14,15,16,17,18,19 For this slaying, he was exiled from Tiryns and forced to move his residence to Thebes, where he settled near the Electran gate.20,17,18,19,13 In Thebes, he became the husband of Alcmene, who was shared with Zeus in a union that would define his legacy.14,15 Zeus disguised himself as Amphitryon to enter the house and impregnated Alcmene with the seed of Heracles, a deception that Amphitryon later learned from Tiresias.21,22,23 Pherecydes claims that Amphitryon placed serpents in the bed to identify his own son, noting that Iphicles fled the beasts while Heracles did not.23
He was unable to take Taphos while Pterelaus was alive, but he subjugated all the islands after Pterelaus died, avenging his wife’s slain brothers.24,25 He persuaded Cephalus to bring a specific dog to hunt a vixen.24 During these conflicts, he donned his armor in Thebes and killed Chalcodon in a battle between Thebans and Euboeans.26,27
Amphitryon owned cattle that were harassed by a lion, and he bought back stolen cattle from Polyxenus to return them to Mycenae.28,29 He gave his sister Perimede to Licymnius in marriage.29 Comaetho fell in love with Amphitryon and pulled out her father’s golden hair; after the death of her father, he slew her.24
Amphitryon was robbed of his reputation and status by a single day of bad fortune, as his family was barred from their house and lacked food, drink, and clothes.18,30 He laments the destruction of his house and halls, destined to be given up to misery by Vengeance.31 Amphitryon died while fighting bravely in the battle against Erginus and the Minyans.32 He was spared from being killed by Heracles and expected to be buried by him.33,34 He is buried in a tomb in Thebes, and a tripod dedicated by him is noted for its great age and fame.35,9,36
The codex facts behind this entry
Amphitryon is identified as the father of Heracles. Euripides, Heracles 1-59 +9 Amphitryon is described as a charioteer, a warrior of fair fame, a glorious hero, and a gatherer of the people. Euripides, Heracles 170-358 part 3 +2
In the myths
Amphitryon launched a military campaign against the islands of the Taphii and Teleboae alongside Cephalus, destroyed the Teleboans, and promised Cephalus a share of the spoils for his help. Apollodorus 2.4.7 +3 Amphitryon donned his armor in Thebes and killed Chalcodon during a battle between Thebans and Euboeans. Pausanias 8.15.6 +2 Zeus disguised himself as Amphitryon to enter his hall and impregnated Alcmene with the seed of Heracles. Athenaeus 11.16 +2 Amphitryon was banished from Tiryns and moved his residence to Thebes after committing the murder. Diodorus 4.10 +1 Amphitryon killed Electryon, Alcmene's father, in a dispute over oxen. The Shield of Heracles ll. 1-27 +1 Amphitryon was exiled from Tiryns for the death of Electryon. Euripides, Heracles 1-59 +1 Amphitryon launched an expedition against the Teleboans with Creon's help and killed them while wearing bronze armor. Apollodorus 2.4.6 +1 Amphitryon taught Heracles how to drive a chariot. Apollodorus 2.4.9 +1
Fate
Amphitryon was spared from being killed by Heracles and expects to be buried by him. Euripides, Heracles 1016ff part 8 +1
