TEUTHRAS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Teuthras was a legendary king of Mysia, according to tales of Greek mythology. Teuthras is famous for appearing in the tale of Auge and Telephus.
Teuthras King of Mysia
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Teuthras was a legendary king of Mysia in Greek mythology, an ancient region located in northwestern Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Although surviving ancient sources do not identify Teuthras's parents or explain how he came to rule Mysia, he is remembered as an important mythical figure in the region's history.
According to Greek mythological tradition, Teuthras was the eponymous founder of Teuthrania, a city in Mysia. The surrounding territory also bore his name, becoming known as the district of Teuthrania. |
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Today, Teuthras remains a notable figure in Greek mythology, particularly in stories connected to Mysia, Teuthrania, and the mythological foundations of cities in Asia Minor.
Teuthras, Auge, and Telephus in Greek Mythology
Teuthras becomes a prominent figure in Greek mythology through his connection with Auge, the daughter of Aleus and the lover of Heracles. According to some accounts, Auge was sold into slavery by Nauplius and eventually came to the court of King Teuthras in Mysia. Captivated by her beauty and character, Teuthras made Auge his wife and queen.
Some traditions suggest that Teuthras had been married previously, as he was said to have a daughter named Argiope. Through his marriage to Auge, Teuthras later became the father of a son, Teuthranius.
Years later, Auge’s son by Heracles, Telephus, arrived in Mysia. After defeating Ida and his forces, Telephus earned the favour of King Teuthras. The king subsequently offered him the hand of his daughter Argiope in marriage and named the son of Heracles as his heir and successor.
Following the death of Teuthras, Telephus inherited the throne and became king of Mysia. Although Telephus himself did not participate in the Trojan War, later generations of his family played significant roles in the conflict. Teuthranius, the son of Auge and Teuthras, fought alongside the Trojans and was killed during the war. Eurypylus, the son of Telephus and grandson of Teuthras, also fought for Troy and met the same fate.
Some ancient sources additionally identify Axylus, another Trojan ally slain by the Achaeans, as a son of Teuthras. However, this identification is generally considered uncertain, as Axylus's father may have been a different individual bearing a similar name.
The story of Teuthras is closely connected to the myths of Auge, Telephus, Heracles, and the royal lineage of Mysia, linking the kingdom to the wider traditions surrounding the Trojan War and Greek heroic mythology.
Some traditions suggest that Teuthras had been married previously, as he was said to have a daughter named Argiope. Through his marriage to Auge, Teuthras later became the father of a son, Teuthranius.
Years later, Auge’s son by Heracles, Telephus, arrived in Mysia. After defeating Ida and his forces, Telephus earned the favour of King Teuthras. The king subsequently offered him the hand of his daughter Argiope in marriage and named the son of Heracles as his heir and successor.
Following the death of Teuthras, Telephus inherited the throne and became king of Mysia. Although Telephus himself did not participate in the Trojan War, later generations of his family played significant roles in the conflict. Teuthranius, the son of Auge and Teuthras, fought alongside the Trojans and was killed during the war. Eurypylus, the son of Telephus and grandson of Teuthras, also fought for Troy and met the same fate.
Some ancient sources additionally identify Axylus, another Trojan ally slain by the Achaeans, as a son of Teuthras. However, this identification is generally considered uncertain, as Axylus's father may have been a different individual bearing a similar name.
The story of Teuthras is closely connected to the myths of Auge, Telephus, Heracles, and the royal lineage of Mysia, linking the kingdom to the wider traditions surrounding the Trojan War and Greek heroic mythology.
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Colin Quartermain - Thestius - 28th August 2021