DYMAS (mortal Greek warrior)

In his youth, Dymas ran faster than horses with winged feet and could overtake a thrown javelin while running.^5,6 He was said to catch deer on foot in the glades of Mount Lycaeus.⁵ Before a footrace against Idas and others, he unfastened the golden clasp of his cloak and prepared by sinking to his knees and striking his limbs.^7,5 Positioned behind Idas and Phaedimus, he dashed away quickly with the other runners at the start.⁷ Now slower than horses due to his advancing age, he remained a notable presence among the Arcadians.^2,6

Dymas accompanied Arcesilaus to Troy and fought as an ally alongside Temenus's forces.^8,4 He was utterly hated by the goddess Cyrita and suffered from raging hunger.¹ He observed that a battle had begun and recognized the conflict.⁹ Hesitating between weapons and prayers, anger prevented him from attempting to entreat the foe.⁹ He placed a hapless body before his feet.⁹

Grieving for his slain prince and despising continuing to live, Dymas swore by the stars and his chieftain's shade to lead the search for Tydeus.^2,10 He prayed to Artemis to illuminate the battlefield so they could find Tydeus.¹⁰ He threw a heavy tiger's hide onto his left arm.⁹ Positioned at the front of the group, he stopped moving after a spear fell near him.¹¹ Dymas and Hopleus carried Tydeus's body on their shoulders through the darkness.¹⁰

Dymas was killed in battle and never returned to his native land.^4,8 He is identified as the father of Aethon.¹ His brother was Pamphylus.