APHAREUS (king of Messenia)

Upon his accession, Aphareus established the settlement of Arene, a name that also marked a spring associated with his wife, the daughter of Oebalus.^2,3,6 In a bond that was also one of blood, he married Arene, the daughter of Oebalus, who shared the same mother as he.^2,3 From this union were born Idas and Lynceus, with Idas being the elder and the braver of the two sons.^7,2,8 Lycus revealed the sacred rites of the Great Goddesses to Aphareus, his wife, and his children, entrusting them with divine knowledge.^9,10

The family resided in Arene after its founding, and a palace was constructed for them in Stenyclerus.¹¹ Aphareus welcomed his cousin Neleus, who had been expelled from Iolcos, granting him the coastal territory that included Pylos.⁶ The Messenians summoned him to return and dwell with them, a call that affirmed his ties to the region.¹²

Lynceus was killed by a spear thrust from Polydeukes, while Idas was struck down by a thunderbolt hurled by Zeus himself.¹³ With the deaths of his sons, the family line lost all its male descendants.¹⁴

Aphareus himself was killed by a thunderbolt from Zeus, who struck him to prevent men from learning the art of healing.¹⁵ He was buried in the old Courts of the Ephors, where his tomb stood as a marker of his final rest.^16,17 Though dead, his presence lingered, as Idas removed the standing stone from his tomb.^18,17