ATYS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY

​Atys was a Lydian prince, a son of Croesus, and famed for being the core of a prophecy or dream given to his father. 

Atys Son of Croesus

​Herodotus was a famed Greek historian and geogrpaher, but is also regarded as having intertwined myth with fact; and the tale of Atys is perhaps one such example. 

Atys is named as the son of Croesus, King of Lydia. Croesus being a historical figure well known for his immense wealth. The name of Atys’ mother is not given, nor are the names of Atys’ brother and sisters. 

Atys and the Boar HUnt

​Atys was the favoured offspring of Croesus, and was educated in all ways so that he would inherit the throne from his father in time. 

Croesus though would then have a dream about the death of his son, where a spear would kill him. Croesus immediately banned Atys from leading the Lydian army, and told him to find a wife and settle down. Atys did as his father requested and his life then became one devoid of trouble. 

At this time, the Mysians came to Croesus asking for help, for a gigantic boar was ravaging their land, and they need help to kill the beast. Atys was keen to go to Mysia to take part in the boar hunt, and pointed out to his father that it was very unlikely that the boar would be wielding a spear. 

Reluctantly, Croesus allowed his son to go and lead the boar hunters. Not completely satisfied with the boar hunt being totally without risk though, Croesus tasked Adrastus with keeping his son safe. Adrastus was a son of Gordias, a guest of the Lydian king,  who had been cleansed of his crime of fratricide by Croesus. 

So Adrastus accompanied Atys upon the boar hunt. Indeed, it was Adrastus who undertook the first attempt at killing the boar. Adrastus threw his spear, and promptly struck Atys killing him. The dream that Croesus had had, had come true.

Returning to Lydia with the body of Atys, Croesus did not punish Adrastus for the death of his son, believing that it was the will of the gods. Adrastus himself though, could not take the guilt, and Adrastus killed himself upon the tomb of Atys. 

Before his death Atys was said to have fathered a son named Pythius. 

Contents

Colin Quartermain - Atys - 24th February 2024