LYNCEUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Lynceus was a heroic figure from the tales of Greek mythology. Lynceus was most commonly found in the company of his brother, Idas, and although an Argonaut and Calydonian Hunter, Lynceus remains most famous for the manner of his death.
Lynceus Son of Aphareus
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Lynceus was the son of Aphareus, King of Messinia, and Arene, Aphareus’ wife; Idas was Lynceus’ brother.
The throne of Messenia, was in theory, shared between Aphareus and Leucippus, but Aphareus was always considered to be the king with whom the real authority sat. Lynceus though had two female cousins, Hilaera and Phoebe, via Leucippus, and these two cousins would play an important role later in the life of Lynceus. |
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Lynceus the Argonaut
Lynceus and Idas were often found in the company of their cousins, the Dioscuri, Castor and Pollox. All four were named as Argonauts, the band of heroes brought together by Jason, to bring back the Golden Fleece from Colchis.
Lynceus was famed for his sight, for as well as being able to see things far away, Lynceus was also said to be able to see in the dark, and also to see through solid objects. Naturally therefore, Lynceus became the lookout on the Argo. Although, he was not a central figure in the quest.
Afterwards, Lynceus is also named as a hunter of the Calydonian Boar.
Lynceus was famed for his sight, for as well as being able to see things far away, Lynceus was also said to be able to see in the dark, and also to see through solid objects. Naturally therefore, Lynceus became the lookout on the Argo. Although, he was not a central figure in the quest.
Afterwards, Lynceus is also named as a hunter of the Calydonian Boar.
Lynceus and the Dioscuri
After these adventures Lynceus and Idas were almost constantly in disagreement with Castor and Pollox.
Lynceus and Idas were due to marry Phoebe and Hilaeira, the daughters of Leucippus, who were collectively known as the Leucippides. Castor and Pollox though, abducted the Leucippides before they could be married, and made the two sisters their wives instead.
At about the same time, Lynceus and Idas, raided Arcadia in conjunction with Castor and Pollox, a large number of head of cattle were taken, but when it came to the division of the spoils, Idas tricked Castor and Pollox out of their share.
Castor and Pollox would lie in wait for Lynceus and Idas, but the sharp-eyed Lynceus spotted Castor’s hiding place in a tree. Idas then killed Castor with a spear. Pollox though killed Lynceus, and Idas was then struck down by one of Zeus’ lightning. Thus, only the immortal Pollox survived of the four cousins.
Lynceus and Idas were due to marry Phoebe and Hilaeira, the daughters of Leucippus, who were collectively known as the Leucippides. Castor and Pollox though, abducted the Leucippides before they could be married, and made the two sisters their wives instead.
At about the same time, Lynceus and Idas, raided Arcadia in conjunction with Castor and Pollox, a large number of head of cattle were taken, but when it came to the division of the spoils, Idas tricked Castor and Pollox out of their share.
Castor and Pollox would lie in wait for Lynceus and Idas, but the sharp-eyed Lynceus spotted Castor’s hiding place in a tree. Idas then killed Castor with a spear. Pollox though killed Lynceus, and Idas was then struck down by one of Zeus’ lightning. Thus, only the immortal Pollox survived of the four cousins.
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Colin Quartermain - Lynceus - 12th February 2022