PHRONTIS (mortal sailor and boatman)
Figure of myth · character from Greek mythology
His journey ended abruptly when Apollo struck him with a painless shaft as he rounded the cape of Sunium in Attica.2,1 He died instantly, still holding the helm, a sudden end to a life defined by mastery of the sea.2,1 Menelaus stopped his voyage to bury Phrontis, building a tomb and performing the required funeral rites.2,1 Though Polygnotus borrowed the name from Homer, the steersman’s legacy remained one of exceptional craft and tragic fate.3,2
The codex facts behind this entry
Phrontis served as the steersman for Menelaus's ship. Odyssey 3 ¶24 +1
Powers
He was considered highly skilled in steering a vessel, especially in rough weather. Odyssey 3 ¶24 +1
In the myths
Menelaus stopped his journey to bury Phrontis, build a tomb for him, and perform the required funeral rites. Odyssey 3 ¶24 +1
Fate
Apollo killed him with a painless shaft while he was rounding the cape of Sunium in Attica, and he died instantly while still holding the helm of the ship. Odyssey 3 ¶24 +1
