IDMON IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY

​Idmon was one of the most famous seers recorded in the annals of Greek mythology. Idmon is particularly remembered as being one of the Argonauts, the band of heroes gathered together by Jason. 

Idmon Son of Apollo

​Idmon is commonly named as a son of the god Apollo, born to either Asteria, daughter of Coronus, or Cyrene the daughter of Hypseus, whom Apollo had carried off to Libya. Some tell of Idmon being raised by Abas, son of Melampus, and some even regard Abas, as Idmon’s true father. 

The name Idmon can be translated as “the knowing one”

Idmon was highly skilled in augury, interpreting omens based on bird behaviour, natural phenomena and sounds of nature. Idmon being imbued with such skills by Apollo. 

​Idmon the Argonaut

​It was at this time that Jason was gathering a band of companions to retrieve the Golden Fleece from Colchis. The Argo had been built and heroes were assembling. Idmon would join Jason’s crew, named as one of the last to embark; and of course, Jason was grateful to have a skilled seer onboard.

Idmon joined up despite having foreseen his own death before the quest was completed. Idmon realising that he could not fight against inexorable destiny, but wished to have his name remembered for generations. 

Before the Argo set sail, Jason would make sacrifices, and Idmon observed the flames, and smoke produced, and confirmed to the other Argonauts, that the gods were looking favourably upon their quest. 

​The Death of Idmon

​Idmon’s time onboard the Argo proved to be limited, and his role up until his death was minor, mainly involved in undertaking purification rituals upon his companions. 

The Argo would eventually anchor off the land of the Mariandyni, in the Kingdom of Bithynia, they were made welcome by King Lycus, for Pollox had killed Amycus; Amycus having previously killed two of Lycus’ brothers. 

Idmon was down by the river when from out of the reed came an enraged boar. Before Idmon could defend himself, the boar had gored his leg, severing bone and sinew. There was no one amongst the Argonauts who could heal Idmon, and so the seer died just as he had foreseen. 

Following the death of Idmon, the Argonauts paused their journey, and spent three days mourning the loss of their companion. Idmon was then buried, and a barrow constructed over his tomb. 

Years later, Apollo would command migrating Boeotians and Megarians to construct the settlement Heracleia around the tomb of Idmon, and to venerate the seer as the protector of the new settlement. 

In surviving sources, the family of Idmon is not commonly recorded. One source though, does does suggest that Idmon was married to a woman called Laothoe, by whom Idmon had a son called Thestor. This would mean that Idmon was likely grandfather to another famous seer, Calchas. 

Contents

Colin Quartermain - Idmon - 18th April 2026