STROPHIUS (mythical son of Pylades)

Strophius received the infant Orestes to raise him in Phocis.^1,2 He later returned home after winning a prize at the Olympic games in a chariot driven at maximum speed.⁵ Upon his arrival, he was accompanied by his son Pylades.⁵ Strophius recognized Electra as belonging to the royal house.⁵

Despite the threat posed by the dead Agamemnon, Strophius decided to protect Orestes.⁴ He placed a wild-olive wreath, which he had won as a prize on the plain of Pisa, on Orestes' head to serve as a shield and omen.⁴ Strophius gave Orestes a leafy palm branch to hold above his head for protection.⁴ He then took Orestes into his chariot to hide him from his enemies.⁴ Strophius instructed Pylades to guide the chariot while they fled.⁴

His son Pylades was described as a crafty plotter who was treacherous in silence.⁷ The boy was characterized as bold in fight and clever in war.⁷ He was compared to a deadly serpent due to his quiet plotting.⁷ Pylades entered the house with a companion who was the general's son and placed his suppliant arms around the knees of Helen.⁷ Strophius was also identified as the father of one of the two men who entered the house.⁷ Elsewhere, Strophius helped pull down the hut belonging to Menelaus, which was located near a ship.⁸