PHORBAS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY

​Phorbas was a minor heroic character from the tales of Greek mythology. 

Phorbas Son of Triopas

Commonly, Phorbas was named as the son of Triopas, who was either the son of Helios and Rhodos, or  Poseidon and Canace. Triopas was said to have been married to Hiscilla, daughter of Myrmidon, and it was from this relationship that Phorbas was born. 

Phorbas and the Island of Rhodes

​Now, Triopas was said to have been exiled from Rhodes, after his brother had been murdered, but his son would return the island. 

At the time of Phorbas, Rhodes, at least according to (Pseudo-) Hyginus was called Ophiussa, for the island suffered from an inundation of giant serpents, the Dragons of Rhodes. These monstrous snakes killed many of the islanders. 

Hyginus says that Phorbas was brought to Rhodes when his ship was blown there in a storm, although in the Bibliotheca historica (Diodorus Siculus) it was claimed that Phorbas was invited to the island after the proclamation of the Oracle of Delphi.

​It was said that the Pythia told a delegation of Rhodians that a man called Phorbas would free them of the snakes. 

Thus, Phorbas came to Rhodes with a group of companions, Phorbas then killed all of the snakes. In gratitude Phorbas was given part of Rhodes to rule over. 

Phorbas was also said by some to have had his likeness placed in the stars as the constellation Ophiuchus, the Serpent Holder. 

Phorbas of Elis

​The story of Phorbas is often intertwined with Phorbas of Elis, a son of Lapithes, for this second Phorbas was a also a heroic character, having taken part in the Centauromachy. 

Phorbas may have fathered Pellen, although, as Pellen’s mother was said to be Hyrmina, daughter of King Epeius of Elis, then Pellen might be a son of this second Phorbas. 

Contents

Colin Quartermain - Phorbas - 7th August 2021