EURYTION IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Eurytion was a centaur of Greek mythology and oft found that his path would cross with that of the Greek hero, Heracles.
The Centaur Eurytion
Eurytion, as a centaur, is commonly named as a child of Ixion and Nephele, Ixion being the impious king who tried to sleep with Hera. Some tales of Greek mythology, would make Eurytion the son of Centaurus, who was himself the son of Ixion and Nephele.
There was said to be two centaurs named Eurytion, one associated with Thessaly, and one associated with Arcadia.
There was said to be two centaurs named Eurytion, one associated with Thessaly, and one associated with Arcadia.
Eurytion’s First meeting with Heracles
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Many centaurs were residing upon Mount Pholoe when Heracles visited the cave of the civilised centaur, Pholus. Partaking of a meal together, Heracles asked Pholus to open a cask of wine. Pholus was reluctant, as it had been a gift from Dionysus, but Heracles was insistent.
The aroma of the wine quickly spread across the mountain, and soon all of the centaurs were attracted to Pholus’ cave. |
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Violence soon broke out, and Heracles took up his bow and arrow to beat back the centaurs, many were killed, but a number managed to escape. One of those who escaped was Eurytion, who subsequently made his way to Arcadia.
Dexamenus and Heracles
This though, was not the last time Heracles and Eurytion would meet, although all stories thereafter told, could not have happened.
Heracles was said to have come to Olenus after he was exiled from Elis by King Augeas; Augeas having refused to pay the demi-god for the cleansing of the Augean Stables, Heracles’ third Labour.
Dexamenus was said to have been an old friend of Heracles, and the arrival of Heracles was one of perfect timing. Dexamenus was being forced to hand over his daughter, Mnesimache, to be married to the centaur Eurytion.
On the day that Eurytion came to collect his intended, Heracles lay in wait, and it was no issue for Heracles to kill the centaur, rescuing Mnesimache from the forced marriage.
Heracles was said to have come to Olenus after he was exiled from Elis by King Augeas; Augeas having refused to pay the demi-god for the cleansing of the Augean Stables, Heracles’ third Labour.
Dexamenus was said to have been an old friend of Heracles, and the arrival of Heracles was one of perfect timing. Dexamenus was being forced to hand over his daughter, Mnesimache, to be married to the centaur Eurytion.
On the day that Eurytion came to collect his intended, Heracles lay in wait, and it was no issue for Heracles to kill the centaur, rescuing Mnesimache from the forced marriage.
Eurytion and Hippolyte
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An alternative tale tells of Heracles coming to Olenus much later on. Having gone to war with King Augeas and Elis, Heracles had initially been thwarted in his attempt to invade, and had retreated to Olenus.
Heracles arrived at the wedding festivities for Hippolyte, another daughter of Dexamenus, and the Arcadian prince Azan. |
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During the celebrations Heracles observed the centaur Eurytion acting inappropriately towards Hippolyte. Heracles believed that Eurytion was planning to abduct the daughter of Dexamenus, the abducting of women being a trait of centaurs. Heracles thus killed Eurytion.
Some versions of the Heracles myth focus on the daughter of Dexamenus being named Deianira, and thus she was the woman who married Heracles. Most commonly the Deianira who married Heracles was the daughter of Oeneus.
Some versions of the Heracles myth focus on the daughter of Dexamenus being named Deianira, and thus she was the woman who married Heracles. Most commonly the Deianira who married Heracles was the daughter of Oeneus.
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Colin Quartermain - Eurytion - 25th May 2026