LYCOMEDES (king of Scyros)
Figure of myth · king of Scyros in Greek mythology
Lycomedes received Achilles, who was disguised as a woman, to be raised at his court.6 A friendship existed between Lycomedes and Achilles.7 Achilles was later discovered by Odysseus at the court where he had been hidden.6 Lycomedes served as the guardian of Neoptolemus and was involved in his birth and education.8,7 Odysseus and Phoenix convinced Lycomedes to release Neoptolemus.1
When Achilles appeared suddenly in armor, Lycomedes was dazed and distraught.9 Achilles addressed Lycomedes as his father while revealing his true identity.9 Achilles asked Lycomedes to listen to his request regarding his marriage.9 Lycomedes is the father of Deidamia, who had a romantic relationship with Achilles.6,10 According to the Cypria, Lycomedes gave the name Pyrrhus to the son of Achilles.11
Lycomedes plotted to kill Theseus while he was on the island of Scyros.12,2 Accounts differ on how Theseus died.13 Some say Lycomedes killed Theseus by throwing him off cliffs under the pretense of showing his lands.13 Other accounts state Lycomedes killed Theseus to please Menestheus.13 Some accounts claim Lycomedes killed Theseus because he feared the man's fame.13 Some accounts say Theseus slipped and fell to his death while walking after supper.13
During a night battle against the Trojans, Lycomedes sustained a wound to his wrist.14 He felt pity when his follower Leiocritus was killed by Aeneas.15 Lycomedes killed Apisaon by spearing him in the liver under the midriff.15 Lycomedes went to the house of Oebalus's son for the sake of Helen.16 Lycomedes approached his grandson to offer him advice about the dangers of the sea.5 He warned his grandson to be cautious when sailing back from Troy or other shores.5 Lycomedes cautioned his grandson about the perils of waters during specific stellar alignments.5 Lycomedes warned his grandson about the maddening sea when the Pleiads set.5 Lycomedes addresses his battle-eager grandson as 'valiant-hearted son' and 'my child'.5 He feared the bitter war and the terrible sea-surge for his grandson.5
The codex facts behind this entry
In the myths
Lycomedes served as the guardian of Neoptolemus and was involved in his birth and education. Sophocles, Philoctetes 219-253 +1 Lycomedes plotted to kill Theseus while he was on the island of Scyros. Apollodorus, Epitome 1.24 +1
