EUPHEMUS (son of Poseidon)
Figure of myth · son of Poseidon in Greek mythology
Euphemus, the most swift-footed of men, was the son of Poseidon and Europe, the daughter of Tityos, and also the son of Troezenus, who was the son of Ceos.1,2,3,4 In another account, Mecionice bore Euphemus after being joined in love with the Earth-holder.5 He originated from the region of Taenarus and was known as a Carian man who traveled by sea.6,2 He belonged to the Minyan clan.7 He was the swiftest of all men, capable of skimming the swell of the grey sea without wetting his feet.2 As he was borne on the watery path, he dipped only the tips of his toes.2
Euphemus joined the group of nobles assembled to sail on the Argo, a companion of Jason during the voyage to Colchis.1,8,9 He walked among his companions, urging them to row with maximum effort.1,8 He captured a trembling dove that the group was carrying and released it to fly forward through the narrow strait.10,11 He held the dove in his hand while on the ship's prow and released it to fly forward.10,11 After Ancaeus took the helm, Euphemus eagerly attempted to steer the ship.12
Euphemus participated in a group search for Heracles, relying on his swift feet to scour the land.13 The search proved fruitless, and he returned to his companions.13 He spoke in reply to someone who had just addressed him.14 He claimed to have seen many uninhabited islands in that region.6 He reported that wild men lived on some of the islands he saw.6
A god in human form gave Euphemus a clod of earth as a gift.15 Zeus confirmed the event with a peal of thunder.15 Euphemus leaped from the prow of a ship at the outpourings of the Tritonian lake.15 He extended his hands toward the clod of earth.14 Euphemus threw the clod of earth into the sea depths.16 An island named Calliste rose from the spot where he cast the clod.16
In a dream during the previous night, Euphemus saw a clod of earth in his palm being suckled by white streams of milk.17 A woman resembling a virgin grew from the clod of earth in his dream.17 He lay with the dream woman in a loving embrace.17 He pitied the dream woman as if he were feeding her with his own milk.17 The dream woman comforted Euphemus with gentle words.17 The island Calliste served as a sacred nurse to Euphemus's sons and was settled by his descendants.16,18 The son of Leto granted the race of Euphemos the Libyan plain to cultivate.18 The descendants of Euphemos were given rule over the city of Kyrene.18 The lineage of Euphemos was destined to continue without end.18 Euphemus is listed as an ancestor in the genealogical line leading to Hesiod, positioned between Philoterpes and Epiphrades in the recorded descent.19
The codex facts behind this entry
Euphemus was the son of Poseidon and Europe, the daughter of Tityos. Apollodorus 1.9.16 +1 Euphemus was the son of Troezenus, who was the son of Ceos. Apollodorus, Epitome 3.34 +1
Powers
Euphemus could run across the sea surface without getting his feet wet. Argonautica 1 ¶30 +1
In the myths
Euphemus captured a trembling dove that the group was carrying and released it to fly forward through the narrow strait. Argonautica 2 ¶37 +1 Euphemus joined the group of nobles assembled to sail on the Argo and walked among his companions urging them to row with maximum effort. Apollodorus 1.9.16 +1
