MOPSUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY

Mopsus was the name of two noted seers in Greek mythology. One of these two was an Argonaut, with Mopsus acting as a guide for Jason. 

​Mopsus son of Ampyx

​Mopsus was named son of Ampyx (also called Ampycus) and Chloris; Ampyx was a Lapith famed for being a seer, whilst Chloris (also named as Aregonis) was a nymph. The place of Mopsus’ birth is normally named as Titaressa in Thessaly, a place which is otherwise unknown. 

From his father, Mopsus inherited the gift of prophecy, and Mopsus would become one of the greatest of seers and soothsayers of his generation. Mopsus’ particular skill though was augury, interpreting omens based upon the behaviour of birds. 

​Mopsus and the Centauromachy

​As a Lapith, it is only right that Mopsus was an invited guest at the wedding of Pirithous and Hippodamia. The Lapiths were of course not the only guests, for Pirithous had invited his cousins, the Centaurs to the wedding. 

The centaurs of course got very drunk and sought to abduct the female guests, and Hippodamia. This led to a battle that became known as the Centauromachy. 

Mopsus is said to have killed the centaur Hodites, Mopsus having thrusted his lance through the mouth of the centaur, killing him. Mopsus is also named as a witness for the transformation of Caeneus to a bird during the same battle. 

​Mopsus the Argonaut

​Mopsus is a name that appears in most lists of Argonauts, the band of heroes who sailed onboard the Argo. 

Mopsus was one of the two seers present amongst the Argonauts, the other being Idmon, and Mopsus observes the actions of various birds, to advise Jason of the best course of action. 

The Quest for the Golden Fleece, would prove to be Mopsus’ last heroic adventure. 

The return from Colchis proved long and arduous, and at one point the Argonauts found themselves stranded in Libya.

Whilst Mopsus walked through the desert, he stepped on the tail of a viper, which promptly turned around and bit him.

These vipers had been born from the blood of Medusa, blood that had leaked from the sack in which Perseus carried the head. The bite proved to be the end of Mopsus. 

Mospsus’ fellow Argonauts buried him by the sea, constructing a monument to their comrade. Another long last monument for Mopsus, was Mopsium, a polis of Thessaly, that was named for the seer. 
Colin Quartermain - Mopsus - 9th October 2021