TERMERUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Termerus was a notorious bandit from the tales of Greek mythology, a bandit famously met his end when he crossed the path of the hero Heracles.
hERACLES AND tERMERUS
|
In the works of Stephanus of Byzantium, Termerus was a figure closely associated with the land of Lycia, and it was there that Termerus founded the port city of Termera. Although Stephanus was mistaken in the location of Termera, for it was actually to be found in Caria.
Heracles though probably encountered him closer to Thebes, for Heracles was perhaps only eighteen, and tending to the animals of Amphitryon when he met Termerus. |
|
Termerus had gained a reputation as a robber and bandit, and was famed for dispatching his victims by headbutting them, and Termerus was proud of the hardness of his skull. Heracles’ head proved to be even harder than Termerus’ though, for when the pair met, Heracles killed Termerus, fracturing the bandit’s own skull.
The tale of Heracles and Termerus was used to enhance the tales of Theseus, as Heracles’ cousin travelled to Athens, for Theseus was famous for dispatching evildoers in the manner in which they killed.
The tale of Heracles and Termerus was used to enhance the tales of Theseus, as Heracles’ cousin travelled to Athens, for Theseus was famous for dispatching evildoers in the manner in which they killed.
|
|
Colin Quartermain - Termerus - 12th March 2022