AMPHILOCHUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
In Greek mythology, Amphilochus was both a hero and a king; finding fame before and during the Trojan War, and also acting as one of the Kings of Argos.
Amphilochus Son of Amphiaraus
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Amphilochus was the son of Amphiaraus, King of Argos, and his wife Eriphyle.
Amphilochus was thus brother to Alcmaeon, and potentially he had three sisters as well, Alcmene, Eurydice and Demonassa (although other parentage for these three are also given). |
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Amphilochus and the Intrigue of Eriphyle
As a relatively young boy, Amphilochus had lost his father, for Amphiaraus had fought and died during the War of the Seven Against Thebes. With his prophetic ability, Amphiaraus was aware that he would die in the war, but a promise made to his wife, forced him to fight; Eriphyle, had been bribed by Polynices to ensure that her husband fought.
Before departing for Thebes, Amphiaraus had told his sons that they must avenge him, by killing Eriphyle, if he did not return. Whilst most say that it was Alcmaeon who killed Eriphyle, others tell of Amphilochus’ direct involvement in his mother’s death.
Before departing for Thebes, Amphiaraus had told his sons that they must avenge him, by killing Eriphyle, if he did not return. Whilst most say that it was Alcmaeon who killed Eriphyle, others tell of Amphilochus’ direct involvement in his mother’s death.
Amphilochus and the EpigoniTen years after the death of his father, a new band of heroes were gathering to take Thebes; the sons of the Seven now sought revenge for the deaths of their fathers.
There were commonly said to have been eight Epigoni, although further heroes are also named; the eight most common being Amphiaraus and Alcmaeon, sons of Amphiaraus; Aegialeus, son of Adrastus; Diomedes, son of Tydeus; Euryalus, son of Mecisteus; Promachus, son of Parthenopaeus; Sthenelus, son of Capaneus; and Thesander, son of Polynices. The War of the Epigoni, proved not to be as bloody as the War of the Seven, for although a battle was fought before the Epigoni reached Thebes. The Thebans, led by King Laodamas, attacked, and whilst Aegialeus was killed, so was Laodamas. The Thebans retreated to Thebes, but were advised by the seer Tiresias, to retreat further, in the face of Epigoni. Thebes was thus abandoned without further bloodshed. Thersander became King of Thebes, whilst Amphilochus returned to Argos, where he became one of the three kings of Argos at the time. |
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Amphilochus In Later Life
From surviving sources, it appears that Amphilochus neither married nor had children; but as King of Argos it was said that he was considered as a suitable husband for Helen, for Amphilochus was named as a Suitor of Helen. Although, of course, Menelaus was chosen.
As a Suitor of Helen, Amphilochus was duty bound to fight at Troy, although he was perhaps a late comer to the war, for when the ships gathered at Aulis, the Agives were led by Diomedes, Sthenelus, and Euryalus.
Nothing of note is told of Amphilochus during the fighting at Troy, but he survived the war, and returned to Argos, but his kingdom no longer appealed to him, and he left departed soon after he had returned.
Abandoning his kingdom, Argos was reunited as one kingdom for the first time in several generations; with Sthenelus, son of Capaneus, ruling the unified Argos.
Amphilochus perhaps travelled to the Ambracian Gulf, where he there perhaps founded the city of Amphilochian Argos.
Later, Amphilochus would be killed by Apollo, perhaps at Soli.
Amphilochus was also uncle to a man of the same name, son of Alcmeaon, and myths of the two sometimes become confused; although the younger Amphilochus, is most well known for the manner of his death.
As a Suitor of Helen, Amphilochus was duty bound to fight at Troy, although he was perhaps a late comer to the war, for when the ships gathered at Aulis, the Agives were led by Diomedes, Sthenelus, and Euryalus.
Nothing of note is told of Amphilochus during the fighting at Troy, but he survived the war, and returned to Argos, but his kingdom no longer appealed to him, and he left departed soon after he had returned.
Abandoning his kingdom, Argos was reunited as one kingdom for the first time in several generations; with Sthenelus, son of Capaneus, ruling the unified Argos.
Amphilochus perhaps travelled to the Ambracian Gulf, where he there perhaps founded the city of Amphilochian Argos.
Later, Amphilochus would be killed by Apollo, perhaps at Soli.
Amphilochus was also uncle to a man of the same name, son of Alcmeaon, and myths of the two sometimes become confused; although the younger Amphilochus, is most well known for the manner of his death.
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Colin Quartermain - Amphilochus -9th September 2025