OENOPION (king of Chios)
Figure of myth · mythical character, son of Ariadne with Dionysus or Theseus
- Parents
- Theseus, Rhadamanthus, Dionysus, Ariadne
- Siblings
- Thoas, Staphylus
- Consorts
- Aerope
- Children
- Maron, Melas, Merope, Salagus, Talus, Evanthes, Athamas
- Haunts and cult places
- Chios
- In the sources
- 11 ancient passages
Oenopion, a king who ruled the island of Chios, was often called the son of Dionysus.1,2,3,4 Other accounts named Ariadne, daughter of Minos, as his mother, while some writers claimed Theseus was his father.1,2,5 He originated from Crete and had a sibling named Thoas, with other traditions listing Staphylus among his brothers.6,1 Rhadamanthys appointed Oenopion to rule over Chios, and he later sailed from Crete with a fleet to found the city there.2,4,6,5
He learned the art of making wine from his father and resided with his daughter Merope, while Aerope is listed among his consorts.2,7 Orion hunted beasts on the island as a service to Oenopion, but the hero was later expelled following an incident with Merope.3,7 Oenopion threw the blinded Orion onto the beach, and when Orion regained his sight, he rushed to attack the king.8 To avoid Orion's punishment, Oenopion hid underground, and he is said to have fathered Euanthes and other children including Maron and Melas.7,9
During his reign, Carians and Abantes arrived on the island, and local legends still tell of his exploits.10,11
The codex facts behind this entry
In the myths
Oenopion sailed from Crete to Chios with a fleet and, according to Ion of Chios, founded the city of Chios. Pausanias 7.4.8 +1
