BIAS (mythical son of Amythaon)
Figure of myth · mythical son of Amythaon
- Parents
- Amythaon, Eidomene, Aglaia
- Siblings
- Melampus
- Consorts
- Pero, Lysippe
- Children
- Talaus, Laodocus, Anaxibia, Aretus
- In the sources
- 18 ancient passages
Bias, son of Amythaon and Aglaia, shared the kingship of Argos with his brother, the seer Melampus.1,2,3 Born in Pylus, where his father resided, he was the brother of Melampus.3,1 The Argives agreed to give him a third of their kingship, a share equal to that of Anaxagoras.4,5
His path to power intertwined with the deeds of his brother, who was imprisoned for stealing cattle before being released.6,3,1 After Melampus healed the local women, Bias settled in Argos, sharing the kingship with his brother.6,1 Proetus gave one of his daughters in marriage to Bias and promised him a portion of land equal to Melampus's share.2 Melampus then gave Pero to Bias, a union that produced the mighty Talaus and Leodocus.6,7,8
Five descendants of Bias ruled the throne in Argos for four generations, a dynasty that eventually ended with Cyanippus, son of Aegialeus.1,5
Beyond his domestic rule, Bias accompanied Neleus on a military campaign into the Peloponnesus.1 He helped defend the ships against Hector's advance and fought alongside Menestheus, Pheidas, and Stichius in the battle line.9 The river Bias in the region bears his name, a lasting testament to the son of Amythaon.10,3
The codex facts behind this entry
In the myths
Bias and Pero produced Talaus, who married Lysimache and received Lysianassa from Polybus. Apollodorus 1.9.13 +1 The Argives agreed to give Bias a third of their kingship, a share equal to Anaxagoras's. Herodotus 9.34.2 +1 Five descendants of Bias ruled the throne in Argos for four generations. Diodorus 4.68 +1
