IASION IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Iasion was a mortal character from the tales of Greek mythology who some call a son of Zeus, a lover of Demeter and a man struck down by one of Zeus’ thunderbolts.
Iasion Son of Zeus
It is generally considered that Iasion was the son of Zeus and the Pleiad nymph Electra, and thus brother to the more famous Dardanus. As grandsons of Atlas, it was said that Iasion and Dardanus ruled in Arcadia until the time of the Great Flood, but as their kingdom succumbed to the Deluge, so they departed together for the Island of Samothrace.
Some say though that Iasion and Dardanus did not come from Arcadia, but from Hesperia (Italy), where although Dardanus was a son of Zeus, iasion was in fact a son of Corythus, an Italian king.
Some say though that Iasion and Dardanus did not come from Arcadia, but from Hesperia (Italy), where although Dardanus was a son of Zeus, iasion was in fact a son of Corythus, an Italian king.
Iasion and the Samothracian Mysteries
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On Samothrace Iasion would be instructed in the initiatory rites of the Samothracian Mysteries; the religious rituals to provide safety to sailors. This was a great honour for Iasion, for the Samothracian Mysteries were considered second only to the Eleusinian Mysteries.
Having been instructed in the rites by Zeus, it would be assumed that Iasion indeed was the son of the supreme god. |
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Iasion and Demeter
Whilst Iasion and Dardanus were on Samothrace, the wedding of Cadmus and Harmonia occurred; where the gods arrived on the island to take part in the festivities.
Demeter would spy Iasion, who was regarded as being one of the most handsome of men, and the goddess would seduce him. Iasion and Demeter would lie together in a thrice-ploughed field. Zeus though learned of the affair, and Iasion was then struck down by Zeus’ thunderbolt.
The liaison between Iasion and Demeter though was said to have brought forth two sons, Plutus, the god of agricultural wealth, and Bootes (Philomelos), the inventor of the plough.
Demeter would spy Iasion, who was regarded as being one of the most handsome of men, and the goddess would seduce him. Iasion and Demeter would lie together in a thrice-ploughed field. Zeus though learned of the affair, and Iasion was then struck down by Zeus’ thunderbolt.
The liaison between Iasion and Demeter though was said to have brought forth two sons, Plutus, the god of agricultural wealth, and Bootes (Philomelos), the inventor of the plough.
Iasion Lives On
It was said by some writers, including Ovid, that Iasion was not killed by Zeus, perhaps through the pleading of Demeter, for Iasion was said by such writers to have lived into old age. Where Iasion lived, then it was said that in travelled throughout the ancient world teaching the populous about the mysteries of Demeter, and about agricultural knowledge.
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Colin Quartermain - Iasion - 23rd November 2019