IOBATES (lycian king)
Figure of myth · character in Greek mythology, Lycian king
- Children
- Stheneboea, Phylonoe, Alcimedusa
- In the sources
- 4 ancient passages
Iobates, a worshipful king who ruled over the region of Lycia, acted as an in-law and ally to Proetus.1,2 He gave his daughter Philonoe to Bellerophon as a wife.3,1 Accounts differ on the name of his other daughter, with Homer naming her Antia while tragic poets call her Stheneboea.2
When Proetus sent a letter instructing him to kill Bellerophon, Iobates received the command.4 Instead of direct murder, he ordered Bellerophon to slay the Chimera, expecting the beast to end the hero's life.4 After the Chimera fell, he commanded Bellerophon to fight the Solymi, and then to combat the Amazons.3 Finally, Iobates arranged for Lycian warriors to ambush and kill Bellerophon.3 After the ambushers were killed, he revealed the letter to Bellerophon.3
He begged Bellerophon to remain in his kingdom.3 In the end, Iobates died and left his kingdom to Bellerophon.3
