OMPHALE (daughter of Iardanus, in Greek mythology)
Figure of myth · daughter of Iardanus, in Greek mythology
- Parents
- Iardanus
- Consorts
- Heracles, Tmolus
- Children
- Agelaus, Tyrrhenus, Cleodaeus, Agelaus of Naupactus, Acheles, Lamus, Atys
- Haunts and cult places
- Lydia
- In the sources
- 27 ancient passages
Accounts describe her as a barbarian woman who possessed a girdle used to confine the waist.1,2 She held power after her husband Tmolus left the government to her upon his death.3
During this extended period of servitude, he delivered captured robbers in chains to her.3,4,5 Pleased by his courage, Omphale learned his parentage.5
Though Heracles trembled at her threats as his mistress, Omphale marvelled at his valour, set him free, and married him.5,2 The union produced several sons, including Lamus, Agelaus, and Atys.6,5,7
She punished the Lydians by forcing their daughters to be with their slaves.8 Later, Heracles sent Omphale to Deianira's house as a concubine before leaving her for Hebe.9,10
The codex facts behind this entry
Omphale was the daughter of the river god Iardanus. Apollodorus 2.6.3 +1
In the myths
Heracles was sold as a slave to Omphale to fulfill an oracle's command. Diodorus 4.31 +1 Heracles served as a slave in Omphale's household for an extended period. Apollodorus 2.6.3 +1
