DEXAMENUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Dexamenus was a king of Greek mythology, known for his friendship with Heracles. Dexamenus would rule the city of Olenus.
King Dexamenus
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Dexamenus was generally named as the son of Oeceus, a man otherwise unknown, other than the fact that he was the King of Olenus.
Olenus being a city of Aetolia, between the Achelous and Evenus rivers. Others though suggest his father was King Alector, making him a possible descendant of Endymion via Epeius Dexamenus would succeed his father as King of Olenus. |
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Dexamenus was regarded as a friend of Heracles, and the Greek demi-god was said to have visited Olenus on a number of occasions, both when he was completing his Labours and afterwards.
Daughters of Dexamenus
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Dexamenus had a number of offspring, each with their own minor tale in Greek mythology, although the mother of the offspring are not recorded.
One of the daughters of Dexamenus was Mnesimache. Dexamenus would be forced by the centaur Eurytion to betroth Mnesimache to the centaur. As the marriage was about to take place Heracles appeared in Olenus; for Heracles had been expelled from Elis by King Augeus, despite Heracles completing the Labour of cleansing the Augean Stables. When Eurytion appeared to collect his new wife-to-be, Heracles killed the centaur. A similar tale is told about the rescue of Deianira by Heracles; with some naming Deianira as a daughter of Dexamenus. It is though, more common to name Deianira as a daughter of King Oeneus of Calydon. A second daughter of Dexamenus also had to be rescued from a centaur, for after being turned away from Elis, Heracles returned to Olenus, where he was invited to the marriage ceremony of Hippolyte, Dexamenus’ daughter and the Arcadian prince, Azan. At the wedding Heracles observed the centaur Eurytion acting improperly towards Hippolyte., and when the centaur started to become violent, Heracles killed him. |
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Dexamenus was also father to twin daughters named Theraephone and Theronice. Theraephone would marry Eurytus, whilst Theronice would wed Cleatus; Eurytus and Cleatus being the twin sons of Actor, who were collectively known as the Molionides. The pair initially thwarted Heracles attempts to attack Elis, but were later killed by Heracles.
Eurypylus Son of Dexamenus
Dexamenus also had a son called Eurypylus. This son of Eurypylus was said by some to have accompanied Heracles on the demi-god’s expedition against the city of Troy.
King Laomedon had refused payment after Heracles had rescued Hesione from a sea-monster. Heracles led a small band of volunteers, including Telamon and Eurypylus, but they proved successful, for Troy fell, and Priam was placed on the Trojan throne.
King Laomedon had refused payment after Heracles had rescued Hesione from a sea-monster. Heracles led a small band of volunteers, including Telamon and Eurypylus, but they proved successful, for Troy fell, and Priam was placed on the Trojan throne.
Olenus After Dexamenus
The throne of Olenus would pass to Hipponoos, a man who some called a son of Dexamenus, whilst others regard him as his brother. It was in the time of Hipponoos that Olenus was subjugated by Oeneus, and thereafter became part of Aetolia.
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Colin Quartermain - Dexamenus - 25th May 2026