MEGAPENTHES (son of Menelaus)
Figure of myth · Figure in Greek mythology; son of Menelaus
- Parents
- Menelaus, Pieris
- In the sources
- 10 ancient passages
Megapenthes, the only son of Menelaus, was born to a bondwoman whose identity is unclear, as Acusilaus named Tereis while other sources cited Pieris, an Aetolian female slave. [f: 1, 2, 7, 8, 12, 13]1,2,3 He appeared as a bachelor in the fifteenth book of the epic, yet he was given a bride from Sparta for his wedding. [f: 4, 6]4,1,5 After the initial days of the revel, he was taken to the house of the bridegroom. [f: 11]4
Megapenthes accompanied his father and mother into the fragrant store room. [f: 9]6 There, he brought a beautiful silver mixing bowl and placed it before Telemachus. [f: 3]6,7 During the meal, he poured wine for the guests. [f: 5]8,9 Later, he drove Helen out of their home while Orestes was still wandering. [f: 10]10
The codex facts behind this entry
Megapenthes is identified as the only son of Menelaus. Odyssey 4 ¶1 +1
In the myths
Megapenthes brought a beautiful silver mixing bowl and placed it before Telemachus. Odyssey 15 ¶8 +1 Megapenthes was given a bride from Sparta for his wedding. Athenaeus 5.9 +1 Megapenthes poured wine for the guests during the meal. Athenaeus 1.31 +1
