PERICLYMENUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Periclymenus in Greek Mythology
Periclymenus was one of the Argonauts in the famous tale of Greek mythology. A son of Neleus, Periclymenus had been gifted the ability to shape-shift, allowing him to assume the shape of any animal.
Periclymenus the Shape shifter
Normally, Periclymenus is named as the eldest son of Neleus, son of Poseidon, and Chloris, one of the Niobids; making Periclymenus brother to Alastor, Asterius, Chomius, Deimachus, Epilaus, Eurybis, Eurymenes, Evagoras, Nestor, Phrasius, Pylaon, Taurus and Pero.
Some tell though, of Periclymenus not being a grandson of Poseidon, but in fact a son, although this parentage is less common, than that of Neleus.
It was said that Poseidon bestowed on Periclymenus great strength, and also gave him shape shifting abilities, for it was subsequently said that Periclymenus could assume the shape of any creature.
Some tell though, of Periclymenus not being a grandson of Poseidon, but in fact a son, although this parentage is less common, than that of Neleus.
It was said that Poseidon bestowed on Periclymenus great strength, and also gave him shape shifting abilities, for it was subsequently said that Periclymenus could assume the shape of any creature.
Periclymenus the Argonaut
It is universally agreed, at least in the main sources, that Periclymenus was one of the heroes who boarded the Argo, having been chosen by Jason, to help in the quest to bring the Golden Fleece to Iolcus. These same prominent sources though, do not tell of any specific deed, or deeds, of Periclymenus in the voyage to and from Colchis.
The Death of Periclymenus
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Periclymenus would become far more famous for the manner of his death, for after the adventures of the Argonauts, Periclymenus returned to Pylos.
Pylos though was soon to be invaded by an army led by Heracles. Neleus, Periclymenus’ father, had previously angered Heracles by refusing the absolve him after the death of Iphitus. Periclymenus would join the defence of Pylos alongside his father and his brothers (bar Nestor who was too young, and was absent from Pylos in any case). The defence of Pylos was aided by Hades, and perhaps Hera and Apollo as well, but nevertheless the defenders were not strong enough to face Heracles, and so it was in this war against Heracles that Periclymenus died. During the battle, it was said that Periclymenus assumed many different shapes, from a small ant, to a swarm of bees, a snake to an ant, but still Heracles bested Periclymenus. Some say that Periclymenus died when he was in the form of a fly, when Heracles swatted him with his club, but more commonly it was said that Periclymenus died when he was in the form of an eagle. Periclymenus dying when Heracles arrow passed through his wing and into his throat. |
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Periclymenus the Survivor
In the Fabulae (Hyginus) it was suggested that by transforming into an eagle, Periclymenus was able to escape from Heracles, and thereafter, Periclymenus shared the kingdom of Pylos with Nestor, but this variation of the Periclymenus myth was rarely taken up by other writers.
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Colin Quartermain - Periclymenus - 25th January 2020