MOUNT OETA (mountain in Phthiotis)
Mountain in Lamia municipality, Greece
- Kind of place
- Mountain
- Region
- Phthiotis
- Landmarks
- Sacrificial Site of Hyllus Sophocles, Trachiniae 1179-1202
- People of myth here
- Poeas
- Where
- 38.82° N, 22.28° E
Oeta is two hundred stadia long, rocky, and elevated, with a peak of sharp, steep rocks that continue down to the sea. Strabo 9.4.12 Heracles was burnt to death on this mountain. Lucian, Dialogues of the Gods 13 ¶1 The top of Oeta is the first place to greet the newborn day. Seneca, Hercules Oetaeus act 3 ¶7
Described in the sources
The Aenianes established their power in Oeta after being expelled by the Lapithae and occupy the area. Strabo 10.2.1 +2 Philoctetes hopes to return to the soil of Oeta, where his aged father resides, to carry home his spoils of valor. Sophocles, Philoctetes 1408-1444 +2 Hercules died at Mount Oeta, located in the Trachinian territory, where the mountain groaned as he burned alive on its slopes. Apollodorus 2.7.7 +2 Mount Oeta is a sacred site belonging to Zeus, who is described as the ruler of its uncut meadow and as striking lightning down along its high glens. Sophocles, Trachiniae 1179-1202 +2 A narrow and very steep path leading up to the mountain passes near the ruins of Trachis. Pausanias 10.22.1 +1 Heracleia is located by Mount Oeta. Pausanias 7.14.1 The mountain has two distinct paths that cross it. Pausanias 10.22.8 The village of Chenae is situated on this mountain. Pausanias 10.24.1 The mountain Corax is located directly next to Oeta. Strabo 10.2.4 The mountain features crags, rocks, and sharp projections. Seneca, Hercules Oetaeus act 3 ¶7
Stories and history
Hercules burned on Mount Oeta, passed his soul into the air, and was numbered with the Gods. Apollodorus 2.7.7 +1 Hercules constructed a pyre of oak and wild-olive branches on this mountain and ordered it to be kindled. Apollodorus 2.7.7 +1 One of the giants seized Mount Oeta during the conflict. Seneca, Hercules Furens act 4 ¶4 Hydarnes used the easier path to attack the Greeks from behind. Pausanias 10.22.8 The mountain possessed a tusk that killed a man by crushing his body. Lycophron, Alexandra ¶22 Poeas set fire to the pyre on Mount Oeta while looking for his flocks. Apollodorus 2.7.7 The Aenianes took refuge in Oeta after losing their previous settlement. Strabo 9.5.22 The Aenianes retained control of the mountain despite surrounding conflicts. Strabo 9.4.11 Phocians under Telesarchus defended the path and defeated the attacking barbarians. Pausanias 10.22.1 A regiment of Gauls attempted to climb the mountain via a specific route to seize votive offerings from a temple. Pausanias 10.22.1