PHOENIX OF DOLOPIA IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
The name of Phoenix was a reoccurring one in Greek mythology. One of the more famous Phoenixes was a hero and king, famed for the actions of his father, and his closeness with Achilles.
Phoenix Son of AmyntorPhoenix was the son of King Amyntor of Ormenium; Phoenix would have a sister called Astydamia. Amyntor would set aside Pheonix’s mother, and take up with a concubine.
There are then two versions to the initial myth of Phoenix. The oldest version tells of the jilted mother convincing Phoenix to sleep with Amyntor’s concubine. When Amyntor discovered his sons actions, he called upon the Erinyes to curse Phoenix to remain childless. Phoenix would have perhaps sought to kill his father, but his hand was stayed, and instead Phoenix left Ormenium. The later version of the Phoenix myth, tells of Amyntor’s concubine make false accusations of rape against Phoenix. Amyntor, believing the words of his concubine, over the protestations of innocence of his own son, blinded Phoenix. Later sources provide a name for Phoenix’s mother, be it Cleobule or Hippodaemeia, whilst Amyntor’s mistress is named as either Clytia or Phthia. |
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Phoenix and Peleus
Exiled from Ormenium, Phoenix would find refuge in the household of Peleus; and, in the event that Phoenix had been blinded by his father, Peleus would take Phoenix to the centaur Chiron, who cured him.
Peleus would place Achilles into the care Phoenix, and it was Phoenix who continued the education of Peleus’ son. Peleus also made Phoenix King of Dolopia, the land between Epirus and Thessaly.
Peleus would place Achilles into the care Phoenix, and it was Phoenix who continued the education of Peleus’ son. Peleus also made Phoenix King of Dolopia, the land between Epirus and Thessaly.
Phoenix at TroyPhoenix would accompany Achilles and his force of Myrmidons to Troy. Phoenix is most prominent when Achilles has decided to leave the war with his troops. Phoenix implores him to reconsider, even calling Achilles a son to him.
Although his impassioned speech does little initially to persuade Achilles, the pair continue to speak overnight. |
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Patroclus is subsequently killed when Achilles’ friend leads the Myrmidons into battle, and it is Phoenix who comforts Achilles for his loss. Phoenix, as well as being a counsellor, was also a fighter, for Homer also tells of him leading Myrmidons in battle.
Phoenix and Neoptolemus
Other writers in antiquity also tell of Phoenix being counsellor to Achilles’ son, Neoptolemus. Indeed, it was said that Odysseus and Phoenix were sent to Scyros, to bring him to Troy to fight. At the time, Neoptolemus was called Pyrrhus, but this was changed by Phoenix, to a new name that meant “Young Soldier”
Phoenix would remain by the side of Neoptolemus for the rest of the Trojan War, and afterwards would accompany him homeward. Phoenix would die in this journey home though, and Neoptolemus would bury the King of Dolopia.
In antiquity two places claimed the tomb of Phoenix were in their land, with Trachis of Thessaly and Eion of Macedonia.
Phoenix would remain by the side of Neoptolemus for the rest of the Trojan War, and afterwards would accompany him homeward. Phoenix would die in this journey home though, and Neoptolemus would bury the King of Dolopia.
In antiquity two places claimed the tomb of Phoenix were in their land, with Trachis of Thessaly and Eion of Macedonia.
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Colin Quartermain - Phoenix of Dolopia - 26th August 2021