KING APHAREUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
In Greek mythology, Aphareus was a Messenian king who proved to be one of the most welcoming of all mythological kings.
Aphareus King of Messenia
Aphareus is normally regarded as a son of King Perieres of Messenia, son of Aeolus, and Gorgophone, daughter of Perseus. In the Bibliotheca, three brothers of Aphareus are named, Icarius, Leucippus and Tyndareus; although other sources offer differing opinions on Aphareus’ siblings.
Aphareus was said to have inherited the throne of Messenia in tandem with his brother, Leucippus, although Aphareus was always regarded as the predominant of the two sons of Perieres. |
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Aphareus and Arene
Aphareus would marry Arene, daughter of King Oebalus of Lacedaemon and Sparta, and Gorgophone, who had married Oebalus after the death of Perieres. In Messenia, Aphareus built a new city, which in then named in honour of his wife;
Arene would provide Aphareus with two sons Lynceus and Idas, whilst a third son Pisus, is also occasionally named as a son of Aphareus, also also Pisus is sometimes named as a brother of Aphareus.
Arene would provide Aphareus with two sons Lynceus and Idas, whilst a third son Pisus, is also occasionally named as a son of Aphareus, also also Pisus is sometimes named as a brother of Aphareus.
Aphareus the Hospitable King
Aphareus would prove to be a hospitable king, welcoming many individuals who found themselves exiled from their own lands. It was therefore said that Aphareus welcomed Tyndareus, who was either his brother or step-brother, when Tyndareus was exiled from Sparta by Hippocoon.
Aphareus also welcomed Neleus, when Pelias, Neleus’ brother, exiled him from Iolcus; and also Lycus, son of Pandion, when Lycus was exiled from Athens by Aegeus.
Neleus was given land by Aphareus, and Neleus built the city of Pylos down by the coast of Messenia.
Idas was said to have inherited the throne of Messenia from his father, although the rule was but for a short time, for the sons of Aphareus were killed following a dispute with Castor and Pollox, the Dioscuri. Messenia therefore passed as a whole to Nestor, son of Neleus.
Aphareus also welcomed Neleus, when Pelias, Neleus’ brother, exiled him from Iolcus; and also Lycus, son of Pandion, when Lycus was exiled from Athens by Aegeus.
Neleus was given land by Aphareus, and Neleus built the city of Pylos down by the coast of Messenia.
Idas was said to have inherited the throne of Messenia from his father, although the rule was but for a short time, for the sons of Aphareus were killed following a dispute with Castor and Pollox, the Dioscuri. Messenia therefore passed as a whole to Nestor, son of Neleus.
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Colin Quartermain - Aphareus - 14th August 2021