THE PELIONIDES IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY

​Mount Pelion was an important site in Greek mythology, home to many famous characters, including the Centaurs. Mount Pelion was also home to a group of nymphs collectively known as Pelionides. 

Chiron Father of the Pelionides

The Pelionides, of course, get their name from Mount Pelion, with these nymphs spoken of by Pindar in Pythian Ode V. These nymphs were said to be the offspring of Chiron, the wise centaur, and his wife, Chariclo, herself a nymph of Mount Pelion.

Chiron and Chariclo were parents to a few named offspring, including Meanippe, Endeis and Carystus, but the individual Pelionides were neither named nor numbered. 

The Pelionides as Nursemaids

The Pelionides were given the role of nursemaids, with some calling them nursemaids of the young centaurs, whilst they were also the carers of young heroes given into the care of Chiron, including the likes of Achilles, Jason and Aristaeus. 

Contents

Colin Quartermain - The Pelionides - 23rd August 2021