PERIPHETES IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
In Greek mythology, Periphetes was a son of the god Hephaestus, famous for being a brigand, who roamed the road between Troezen and Athens.
Periphetes Son of Hephaestus
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Periphetes was the son of Hephaestus, born to a woman named Anticleia, about whom no more is known. From his father, Periphetes was said to have inherited the trait of lameness.
Periphetes was given the surname “Corynetes”, meaning club-bearer, for the son of Hephaestus was always in the possession of a club, which he sometimes used as a walking aide. Pausanias would describe this club as being made of bronze, although other sources in antiquity give the club no special characteristics. |
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Periphetes’ club would have a second use, for Periphetes was a bandit, operating on the road between Troezen and Athens, and unwary travellers who crossed Periphetes path, were likely to be pounded into the earth with it.
Periphetes and Theseus
The time when Periphetes was operating was also the time of Theseus; and Theseus was travelling to Athens to claim his birthright. The safest route from Troezen was a relatively short sea journey, but Theseus took the dangerous road, a road strewn with bandits and brigands.
Periphetes was the first of these brigands encountered by Theseus, and the two met up near to the polis of Epidauros. In what would prove to be the first of his Six Labours, Theseus wrestled the club from Periphetes, and the Greek hero then took up the weapon, and killed the bandit, in the same manner that Periphetes had done to his victims.
Periphetes was the first of these brigands encountered by Theseus, and the two met up near to the polis of Epidauros. In what would prove to be the first of his Six Labours, Theseus wrestled the club from Periphetes, and the Greek hero then took up the weapon, and killed the bandit, in the same manner that Periphetes had done to his victims.
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Colin Quartermain - Periphetes - 12th March 2021