THE SEER THEOCLYMNEUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Theoclymneus was one of the plethora of seers spoken of in the tales of Greek mythology. Theoclymneus is most famous for appearing in the tales of Odysseus’ return to Ithaca.
Theoclymneus Son of a SeerMost commonly, Theoclymneus is named as the son of the seer Polyphides, which would make Theoclymneus great-grandson to one of Greek mythology’s most famous seers, Melampus.
Alternative parentage for Theoclymneus is given as another seer, Thestor which would make Theoclymneus brother to Calchas, Leucippe and Theonoe. |
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Theoclymneus in the Odyssey
In surviving sources, Theoclymneus is first found in Pylos, for the seer had fled there from Argos; Theoclymneus fleeing there after the death of one of his relatives, a death which the seer was said to have caused.
Also in Pylos, was Telemachus, son of Odysseus, who was seeking news of his absent father. Neither Nestor in Pylos, nor Menelaus in Sparta, were able to give Telemachus the good news that he wished for, and so the son of Odysseus decided to return to Ithaca. Theoclymneus then approached and asked whether he could accompany Telemachus.
Despite knowing that Theoclymneus was fleeing for his life, Telemachus welcomed onboard his ship, for Telemachus was desperate for answers about his father.
Theoclymneus was well versed in Ornithomancy, and observing an eagle with a dove in its talons, Theoclymneus advised Telemachus of the strength of Odysseus’ house, and that he was detined to lead the house after his father.
Upon the return of Telemachus’s ship to Ithaca, Theoclymneus was able to divine that Odysseus was already home. Whilst Telemachus believed the seer, Penelope was not convinced, nor could Theoclymneus convince her that the death of her suitors would soon be at hand.
Also in Pylos, was Telemachus, son of Odysseus, who was seeking news of his absent father. Neither Nestor in Pylos, nor Menelaus in Sparta, were able to give Telemachus the good news that he wished for, and so the son of Odysseus decided to return to Ithaca. Theoclymneus then approached and asked whether he could accompany Telemachus.
Despite knowing that Theoclymneus was fleeing for his life, Telemachus welcomed onboard his ship, for Telemachus was desperate for answers about his father.
Theoclymneus was well versed in Ornithomancy, and observing an eagle with a dove in its talons, Theoclymneus advised Telemachus of the strength of Odysseus’ house, and that he was detined to lead the house after his father.
Upon the return of Telemachus’s ship to Ithaca, Theoclymneus was able to divine that Odysseus was already home. Whilst Telemachus believed the seer, Penelope was not convinced, nor could Theoclymneus convince her that the death of her suitors would soon be at hand.
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Colin Quartermain - Theoclymneus- 30th August 2025