TYRO (daughter of Salmoneus)
Figure of myth · daughter of Salmoneus in Greek mythology
- Parents
- Salmoneus, Alcidice
- Consorts
- Poseidon, Sisyphus, Cretheus
- Children
- Pelias, Neleus, Aeson, Pheres, Amythaon
- In the sources
- 13 ancient passages
Tyro, daughter of Salmoneus and Alcidice, was a maiden of surpassing beauty and exquisite form.1,2,3,4,5 Her father Salmoneus was king in the region near the river Enipeus, where she was raised by her uncle Cretheus, brother of Salmoneus.2,6
After the death of her father, Tyro married Cretheus, son of Aeolus and founder of Iolcus.1,4,6 To this union she bore three sons: Aeson, Amythaon, and Pheres.1,4 Yet Tyro developed a romantic passion for the river Enipeus, frequently visiting its waters to express her sorrow.2,6,7 Poseidon disguised himself as the river Enipeus to sleep with the virgin Tyro.2,8,4,7 During the encounter, a large blue wave covered her, and Poseidon removed her virgin girdle before putting her into a deep sleep.4,7 He ordered her to keep their union a secret, telling her she would give birth to twins in about twelve months.7
Tyro secretly gave birth to twin sons, Pelias and Neleus, by Poseidon.4,8,2 A mare kicked one infant, leaving a mark that led to his name Pelias, while a horsekeeper found and raised both exposed sons.2
When her grown sons discovered her plight, they killed her stepmother Sidero for mistreating their mother.2,4 Tyro is cited as evidence of Poseidon's romantic involvement and remains one of the notable beauties of the ancient past.3,5 She is identified as the mother of the king who came forth to meet Jason.9 Now Tyro is located in the realm of the dead alongside other famous figures.3
The codex facts behind this entry
Tyro was the daughter of Salmoneus and Alcidice. Apollodorus 1.9.11 +4
In the myths
Tyro developed a romantic passion for the river Enipeus and frequently visited its waters to express her sorrow. Apollodorus 1.9.8 +1 Her grown sons discovered her and killed her stepmother Sidero because she mistreated their mother. Apollodorus 1.9.8 +1 Poseidon disguised himself as Enipeus to sleep with the virgin Tyro, who was covered by a large blue wave during the encounter. Diodorus 4.68 +1
