OICLES IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY

​Oicles was a King of Argos in Greek mythology, a grandson of Melampus, Oicles was also father of Amphiaraus. 

Oicles King of Argos

Commonly, Oicles is called son of Antiphates and Zeuxippe, and thus grandson of Melampus. Some say though that Oicles was the nephew of Antiphates, born to Antiphates’ brother Mantius. 

In the time of Melampus, Argos had split into three kingdoms, and after Antiphates, Oicles would become king of Melampus’ portion of Argos. 

Oicles would marry Hypermnestra, daughter of Thestius, and Oicles became father to three children, Amphiaraus, Iphanira and Polyboea

​Oicles and Heracles

​Oicles was commonly said to have taken part in the First Sacking of Troy, when Heracles came to have his revenge of King Laomedon, who had reneged on his word. 

Oicles was tasked with protecting the expeditions ships, whilst Heracles attacked Troy’s walls. Laomedon exited the city, by one of its numerous gates, and sought to destroy Heracles’ ships, isolating the hero outside the city’s walls. 

In the ensuing battle it was said that Oicles was killed, having put up an epic defence, allowing the others at the ships, to sail them out to sea. 

​An Alternative End for Oicles

In other tales though, Oicles lived a long life, returning from Troy with Heracles. Whilst the Oicles’ kingdom passed to his son Amphiaraus, Oicles moved to Arcadia. 

Alcmaeon, Oicles’ grandson by Amphiaraus, visited his grandfather in Arcadia, whilst chased by the Erinyes for the murder of Eriphyle.  

In antiquity, the tomb of Oicles was said to have been in Megalopolis in Arcadia, for Pausanias was shown a tomb that was identified as his. 

Contents

Colin Quartermain - Oicles - 26th September 2021