PHYLEUS (mythical son of Augeias)

Selected by Heracles to serve as a witness to a promise, Phyleus testified against Augeas regarding the reward agreement.^1,3,7 Giving the decision in this arbitration to the hero, Phyleus incurred the wrath of his father, who banished him from Elis.^1,3,7 Driven from his home by this dispute, he left to settle in Dulichium, having organized the affairs of Elis before returning there.^5,2,8 Heracles later conquered Elis and recalled Phyleus from exile, restoring him to his position and permitting him to retain captured prisoners.^9,7,10

In gratitude for Phyleus’s loyalty, Heracles allowed Augeas to escape punishment and granted the kingdom of Elis to Phyleus.^10,9,7 During this period, Heracles captured Phyleus’s daughter and fathered Tlepolemus with her, a union that left a lasting mark on the family.¹¹ Phyleus also took Timandra as a consort, a woman who left her husband Echemus to be with him.⁶ As a warrior, Phyleus wore a protective metal corslet from Ephyra near the river Selleis, which King Euphetes had given him for battle.¹²

This armor would later save the life of his son Meges in combat, linking the father’s legacy to the son’s survival.^12,13,14 Meges, a fleet son and chieftain among the Achaeans, ruled the Echinades and Oxeai islands and avenged the death of Evenor.^15,2,13,14 Phyleus also had a daughter named Eurydameia, part of a lineage that extended into the ranks of the Epean commanders.^13,14 In later years, Phyleus served as a colleague in the Messenian military leadership, selected by Damis for his counsel.¹⁶

He participated in contests at Buprasium to honor King Amarynceus and was dispatched from Elis to join a great gathering.^17,18