PHILOCTETES (keeper of the bow of Heracles)
Hero and companion · mythological character
- Parents
- Poeas, Methone, Demonassa
- Foes
- Odysseus
- Symbols and gear
- bow
- Haunts and cult places
- Lemnos
- In the sources
- 64 ancient passages
Philoctetes was a skilled archer and leader of troops from several cities, renowned as a warrior. Iliad 2 ¶57 +3 Philoctetes is the son of Poias. Odyssey 3 ¶16 +2
Appearance
Philoctetes describes his own appearance as savage, crippled, and foul-smelling. Sophocles, Philoctetes 1004-1044 +1
In the myths
Philoctetes suffered a painful foot wound and was cast away by the Atreids. Sophocles, Philoctetes 1170-1217 +2 Philoctetes suffers from a recurring disease that causes him intense pain, a wound that continuously oozes dark blood, and sweat running over his entire body. Sophocles, Philoctetes 730-781 +2 The Greeks left Philoctetes behind on Lemnos while he suffered from a foul-smelling wound. Pausanias 8.8.5 +1 Philoctetes is reported by Lescheos to have killed Admetus. Pausanias 10.27.1 +1 The son of Achilles took Philoctetes' bow by force and deceit, forcing him to give up his cherished weapon. Sophocles, Philoctetes 1123-1145 +1 The son of Achilles swore to take Philoctetes home but betrayed him, leading Philoctetes to demand he fulfill his promise. Sophocles, Philoctetes 1380-1401 +1 Philoctetes was deceived by an enemy who used shameless deceptions against him due to his weakened condition. Sophocles, Philoctetes 1123-1145 +1 Philoctetes expresses that he is tired of grief and lamentations, regretting leaving his home city to help the Greeks. Sophocles, Philoctetes 1170-1217 +1 The Atreids treated Philoctetes as an outcast and lacked the heart to endure his burden. Sophocles, Philoctetes 591-627 +1 Philoctetes refused to travel to Troy with the Greek forces and chose to endure his destined sufferings rather than return. Sophocles, Philoctetes 1170-1217 +1
Fate
A prophecy states that Troy will not fall unless Philoctetes is brought there to help destroy it. Quintus 9 ¶23 +2 Philoctetes claims he has been perishing under sufferings and hopes the gods will free him from his disease. Sophocles, Philoctetes 219-253 +1 He lay sick and sorrowful while the Argives missed his absence, struggling to maintain his hold on a life filled with grief. Iliad 2 ¶57 +1 Philoctetes believes he is destined to die within this rocky dwelling because he lacks food and resources. Sophocles, Philoctetes 1081-1100 +1
