PITTHEUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Pittheus in Greek Mythology
Pittheus was a legendary king of Greek mythology, a son of Pelops, Pittheus would become the grandfather of the Greek hero Theseus.
Pittheus Son of Pelops
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Pittheus was a son of King Pelops, and thus grandson of Tantalus. It was generally considered that Pittheus was born to Pelops’ wife, Hippodamia, although some name Pittheus’ mother, Dia, which may, or may not have been an alternate name for Hippodamia.
Pittheus would have many siblings, for Pelops may have had in excess of 20 children, including famous brothers, Atreus and Thyestes, and famous sisters, Astydameia and Eurydice. |
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The sons of Pelops were known for creating new city states, ad Pittheus was no exception.
Pittheus the Founding Father
Pittheus, and his brother, Troezen, would leave Pelops kingdom and travel to land on the Saronic Gulf. At this place were two settlements, Hyperea and Anthea, cities which had been founded by Hyperenor and Anthas, sons of Poseidon. At the time of Pittheus and Troezen’s arrival, Hyperea and Anthea were ruled by Aetius, a son of Anthas.
Aetius would welcome the sons of Pelops, and for a time the land was ruled by the three men, although it was also said that it was Pittheus and Troezen who were actually ruling the kingdom.
Troezen would die, and it was then that Pittheus took charge becoming sole ruler, for he amalgamated the settlements of Hyperea and Anthea, created a new city, one which Pittheus called Troezen after his brother.
Aetius would welcome the sons of Pelops, and for a time the land was ruled by the three men, although it was also said that it was Pittheus and Troezen who were actually ruling the kingdom.
Troezen would die, and it was then that Pittheus took charge becoming sole ruler, for he amalgamated the settlements of Hyperea and Anthea, created a new city, one which Pittheus called Troezen after his brother.
Pittheus as a FatherPittheus was a highly regarded king, considered learned and wise. Pittheus was also the father of two daughters, by an unknown woman, or women. These daughters of Pittheus were Aethra and Henioche.
During the time of Pittheus, King Aegeus of Athens came to Troezen seeking a deciphering of an Oracle’s prophecy about whether Aegeus would have any sons, the words given by the Pythia of Delphi being, “Loose not the wine-skin's jutting neck, great chief of the people, Until thou shalt have come once more to the city of Athens” Pittheus took advantage of the situation, and getting Aegeus drunk, he had the king of Athens lie with his daughter, Aethra. It was also said that Poseidon also lay with Aethra that day. Aegeus would travel on to Athens, leaving behind his sandals, shield and sword, in case Aethra gave birth to a son for the king. Aethra of course did give birth to a son, a boy who would be called Theseus, Pittheus’ grandson. |
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Pittheus as a Mentor
Pittheus would become mentor to Theseus, passing on his knowledge and skills to his grandson, and thus when of age, Theseus was ready to take up the mantle of heir to the throne of Athens.
Pittheus would later take up the role of mentor to Theseus’ son, Hippolytus, who was sent to Troezen by Theseus, after Theseus had taken a new wife in Phaedra.
Pittheus would again pass on all his knowledge, with the expectation that Hippolytus, nominally Pittheus’ great-grandson, would become ruler of Troezen. This though did not come to pass because Hippolytus died after the intrigue of his stepmother, Phaedra, who accused her stepson of rape, resulting in Theseus cursing his own son.
Details of Pittheus’ own demise are not recorded, although in antiquity, it was said that his tomb could be visited in Troezen.
Pittheus would later take up the role of mentor to Theseus’ son, Hippolytus, who was sent to Troezen by Theseus, after Theseus had taken a new wife in Phaedra.
Pittheus would again pass on all his knowledge, with the expectation that Hippolytus, nominally Pittheus’ great-grandson, would become ruler of Troezen. This though did not come to pass because Hippolytus died after the intrigue of his stepmother, Phaedra, who accused her stepson of rape, resulting in Theseus cursing his own son.
Details of Pittheus’ own demise are not recorded, although in antiquity, it was said that his tomb could be visited in Troezen.
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Colin Quartermain - Pittheus - 22nd January 2020