MESSAPUS (Trojan prince and horse-tamer)
Figure of myth · ninth king of Sicyon and/or founder of Messapia
- Known as
- A tamer of steeds
- In the sources
- 15 ancient passages
Messapus, the offspring of Neptune, rose as a famous horseman and tamer of the steed.1,2,3,4 He appeared in pride of gold and purple, holding a javelin and a great beam-like spear.2,5 He compelled his loyal hosts to join the war effort, stripping the fields and farms of their husbandmen for military service.6
Messapus led the front line of the assembled army, forming his lines in the opposing field despite his people's lack of war experience.7,8,9 He flew to join the fight against the Trojans, acting in equal rage toward them.1,4 During the siege, he tore down the defensive palisade and set up ladders at the breach.4
In the heat of battle, Messapus killed the warrior Clonius and Ericetes, who was the son of Lycaon.10 He bore the brunt of the battle alongside Atinas while defending the gates against the enemy forces.11 Fighting alongside Asilas in the conflict between Latium and Ilium, he proved invincible in combat with sword and fire.3,9
Messapus attacked the Tuscan king Aulestes while a truce was in effect, striking him with a large spear while the king was a suppliant.5 He shouted that Aulestes was a suitable victim for the gods.5 Whirling one of his two flexible javelins with steel tips in the air before aiming it, he struck Aeneas's helmet peak and plume.12
Messapus came into the region of Iapygia and named it Messapia after himself.13 The mountain Messapius in Anthedon also bears his name.13 He had a brother named Coras and previously owned a gorgeous, crested helmet that Euryalus later put on.8,14 He frightened his trembling horses while reining them in.15
The codex facts behind this entry
Messapus is identified as the son of Poseidon. Aeneid 10.308 +3
Powers
He is described as a famous horseman and tamer of the steed. Aeneid 10.308 +1
