IPHICLUS, SON OF THESTIUS (son of Thestius)
Figure of myth · son of Thestius
- Parents
- Thestius, Eurythemis, Deidamia
- In the sources
- 15 ancient passages
Iphiclus, son of Thestius, was a nobleman of Greece who sailed on the Argo, a warrior skilled in javelin and hand-to-hand combat.1,2 His mother was Eurythemis, though some accounts name Deidamia, and he shared a father with Althaea, Leda, Hypermnestra, Evippus, Plexippus, and Eurypylus.3,4
In matters of the heart, Iphiclus held Dorcia in high regard, and she agreed to marry him through the intervention of her nurse, while he rejected the romantic advances of Harpalyce.5,6
Iphiclus joined the crew of the Argo, accompanying Meleagrus on their journey to join the heroes, and later proved his speed by being described as a good runner during the funeral games for Amarynceus.1,2,7 He ambushed Larcas, a trusted follower of Phalanthus, and played tricks such as catching fish to place in Larcas's water vessel and smearing crows with gypsum before letting them fly again.5
During the siege, Iphiclus learned Phoenician oracles from an informant and received a large amount of buried Phoenician riches.5 His adventures also saw him imprisoned by Laomedon along with Telamon, from which he escaped after Priam secretly provided swords to the captives, and the group fled to the sea to report events to the Argonauts.8 He was also sent by Heracles to demand the return of mares and Hesione, acting as a diplomatic agent in the conflict with Troy.8
In the conflict over the boar's skin, he was killed by Meleager, and some say he was the first to strike the Calydonian boar.9,4 Other traditions state he died in the battle where Heracles defeated the sons of Hippocoön, or during the campaign against Sparta.10 His death caused Heracles to grieve deeply, leading the hero to leave Arcadia, sealing Iphiclus's legacy as a figure whose end brought sorrow to the greatest of demigods.11
The codex facts behind this entry
Iphiclus is identified as the son of Thestius. Apollodorus 1.9.16 +1
In the myths
Iphiclus was killed by Meleager during the conflict over the boar's skin. Apollodorus 1.8.3 +1
