POLYPHONTES (son of Autophonus)
Figure of myth · son of Autophonus in Greek mythology
- Parents
- Autophonus
- In the sources
- 4 ancient passages
Polyphontes, son of Autophonus, served as the herald for the king Laius and was recognized as one of the true Heraclids.1,2,3 He came to the throne of Messene after Cresphontes was murdered, forcibly taking Merope, the wife of the slain king, as his wife.1
In the conflict at Thebes, Polyphontes was stationed at the gate assigned to defend against Capaneus, where the gods, including Artemis, gave their good will to his cause.4 He exited the scene after being assigned to his defensive post.4
In another account, he led a group of fifty youths and two captains to ambush Tydeus, but Tydeus killed him during the ambush on his return journey.3 Yet another tradition holds that he was slain by Aepytus, the third son of Merope.1
