Home Commentary

Catalogue of Names from Apollonius' Argonautica

by Spencer Scorcelletti

Commentary #1 ()

next

The names of the heroes, in order, their parentage, other relations they may have, where they’re from, ability/class/profession, things they may be known for, as well as additional notes.

(scroll →)

Order Name Son of Relative to From Ability/Title Known for Notes
1 Jason Aison and Alkimédé Argos countryside (somewhere across the Anauros river). Maybe Phylake? Famous mother, who was a descendant of mythical king Mynian I.5–17. Prophesized to bring about the death of King Pelias of Argos, as well as to return safely with the golden fleece
2 Orpheus Kalliope and Oiagros Pieria, in Thrace. He’s prince of the Bistonians. Poet/singer/musician Charmed boulders, rivers, and trees with his music I.23–34. Possibly done so for the construction of the Argo itself
3 Asteríon Kométes and Apídanos? (a river) Peiresiai of Thessalia at the junction of two rivers (Apidanos and Enipeus). unclear I.35–39.
4 Polyphémos Eílatos Lárissa His father is famous for fighting against the Centaurs alongside the Lapiths. I.40–44. Left behind at Mysia (I.1321–1347): stayed to search for the lost Hylas, later founds a city on the Kios estuary and dies in the land of the Chalybes.
5 Iphiklos Uncle to Jason through Jason’s mother Phylake I.45–48.
6 Admétos Pherai king of Pherai I.49–51. they are sheep–rich
7 Erytos Hermes, born by Antianeira (daughter of Menétes) Brother to Echíon and Aithálides Phthiótis Skillful trickster I.51–56. Their land is rich in wheatfields
8 Echíon Hermes, born by Antianeira (daughter of Menétes) Brother to Erytos and Aithálides Phthiótis Skillful trickster I.51–56. Their land is rich in wheatfields
9 Aithálides Hermes, born by Eupolemeia Brother to Erytos and Echíon Phthiótis Amazing memory I.53–56. Their land is rich in wheatfields
10 Korónos Kaineus Gyrton Kaineus is known for fighting the "Kentaurs" (not centaurs) and driving them back single handedly. It seems he died during this heroic act. Koronos is not (yet) equal to Kaineus. I.57–64. Not yet his father’s equal
11 Mopsos Thessaly Bird seer I.65–66. The greatest bird seeing mortal. Possibly another name for Tiresias — Dies in Libya from a snakebite (IV.1502–1536).
12 Eurydamas Ktímenos Dolopian Ktímené, by Lake Xynias unclear I.67–69.
13 Menoitios Actor uncle of Eurytion as his brother is Iros, who is father Eurytion Opous I.69–71. Ordered by Actor to, “go with the flower of the heroes.”
14 Eurytion Iros nephew to Menoitios through his father unclear (Also Opous it seems?) I.71–74. Iros was also a son of Actor, making Eurytion a nephew of Menoitios
15 Erybótes Téleon unclear (Also Opous it seems?) I.71–74. “far-famed Erybótes” also probably from Opous because mentioned in the same sentence as Eurytion
16 Oileus unclear (Also Opous it seems?) harrying foemen from the rear I.74–76. “peerless in prowess”
17 Kanthos Kanéthos son of Abas Kerinthos Apparently dying in this journey, in Africa, along with Mopso I.77–85. Death in Libya: IV.1485–1501.
18 Klytios hard-bitten Eúrytos brother of Iphitos Oichalia I.86–89. Eúrytos is famous for using a bow Apollo gave him to compete with the god
19 Iphitos hard-bitten Eúrytos brother of Klytios Oichalia I.86–89. Eúrytos is famous for using a bow Apollo gave him to compete with the god
20 Peleus Aiakos Brother of Télamon Aígina Father of Achilles I.90–94. Killed his brother Phókos and came from Phthia to join Jason
21 Télamon Aiakos Brother of Peleus Aígina I.90–94. Killed his brother Phókos and came from Salamis to join Jason
22 Boútés Téleon Kekropia Warrior I.95–96.
23 Pháleros Alkon Kekropia spearman I.96–101. Sent by his father Alkon though he had no other sons to support his old age and livelihood
24 Tiphys Hagnias Siphai Meterology and celestial navigation I.105–110. Recruited by Athena to join Jason’s crew — Dies of a sudden illness among the Mariandynoi (II.851–860); Ankaios of Samos (#46) then takes the helm.
25 Argos Arestor Ship builder/engineer I.111–114. Given instructions by Athena on how to make the ship
26 Phleias Dionysos Araithyréa (springs of Asópos) I.115–117. Enjoyed great wealth due to his father
27 Tálaos Bias and Pero Brother of Areïos and half brother of Leódokos (by Pero) I.118–121. 120: the Aiolid Melámpous endured a heavy affliction in the stables of Iphiklos
28 Areïos Bias and Pero Brother of Tálaos and half brother of Leódokos (by Pero) I.118–121. 120: the Aiolid Melámpous endured a heavy affliction in the stables of Iphiklos
29 Leódokos Bias and Pero I.118–121. 120: the Aiolid Melámpous endured a heavy affliction in the stables of Iphiklos
30 Herakles Zeus and Alcmene (raised by Amphitryon) Thebes Warrior, hunter, archer 12 labors, including returning from Hades I.122–132. Returned from his 4th labor, dumped the Erymánthian boar onto the ground, and set out to join Jason along with his squire Hylas — Left behind at Mysia (I.1273–1357): while searching for the lost Hylas he is left behind when the Argo sails; the sea-god Glaukos reveals he must return to complete his labors.
30a Hylas Theiodamas (king of the Dryopes) Squire & armor-bearer of Herakles (his beloved) Dryopian; brought along by Herakles Being carried off by a spring-nymph I.131–133 (comes aboard to tend Herakles’ bow and arrows). Lost at Mysia (I.1207–1239): drawn into a spring by a nymph who loved him and kept him as her husband (I.1321–1325); Herakles and Polyphémos stay behind searching and the Argo sails without all three.
31 Nauplios Klytonéos, who is son of Naubolos, who is son of Lernos, who is son of Priotos, who was the son of someone also named Nauplios, who was the son of Poseidon and Amymoné. Not entirely clear. It seems he has a relative, also named Naupilos, who “excelled all mortals in seamanship” but they’re not the same person it seems descendant of godlike Danaos I.134–138. 135: “he was the son of Naubolos's son Klytonéos, and Naubolos's father was Lernos, and Lernos, we know, the son of Proitos, whom Nauplios sired”
32 Idmon Abas (bastard) Somewhere in Argos Bird seer Seeing his own fate on this trip and embarking upon it anyways I.139–145. Killed by a boar among the Mariandynoi (II.815–834), as he had foreseen.
33 Polydeukes Zeus and Leda twin brother of Kastor, also brother of Helen and Clytemnestra Sparta I.146–150. Also known as Pollux
34 Kastor Tyndareus and Leda twin brother of Polydeukes, also brother of Helen and Clytemnestra Sparta breaking horses I.146–150. Also known as Castor
35 Lynkeus Apháreus Brother of Idas Aréné big muscles, sharp eyesight that can see underground I.151–155. overconfident
36 Idas Apháreus Brother of Lynkeus Aréné big muscles I.151–155. arrogant and overconfident
37 Periklymenos Neleus son of Poseidon Pylos boundless strength and shapeshifting when in the heat of battle I.156–160.
38 Amphídamas Aleos Brother of Képheus and uncle of Ankaios Arkadia I.161–163.
39 Képheus Aleos Brother of Amphídamas and uncle of Ankaios Arkadia I.161–163.
40 Ankaios Lykourgos Nephew of Amphídamas and Képheus Arkadia I.164–171. Dressed in a bearksin and has a two headed axe because his grandfather, Aleos, hid his arms in an attempt to stop him from going
41 Augeias Helios (but it is a rumor) Elis King of warriors in Elis I.172–175. longed to see the land of Kolchis, and King Aiëtés
42 Astérios Hyperásios Brother of Amphion Pellene, in Achaia I.176–178.
43 Amphion Hyperásios Brother of Astérios Pellene, in Achaia I.176–178.
44 Euphémos Poseidon and Európé Tainaros faster mortal at running I.179–184. allegedly can run on the surface of the water
45 Ergínos Poseidon Miletos Seamanship and war I.185–187.
46 Ankaios Poseidon Samos Seamanship and war I.187–189. held an important role at the temple of Hera on Samos — After Tiphys dies, chosen as the Argo’s new helmsman (II.865–898).
47 Meleágros Oineus Nephew of Laoköon through his father and nephew of Iphiklos through his mother Kalydon (in Aitolia) I.190–198. Joined only as a boy. 195: no better man, I think, ever would have joined them save Herakles himself, had he only waited among the Aitolians one year longer to grow up
48 Laoköon a servant girl Uncle of Meleágros Kalydon (in Aitolia) I.191–195. sent to watch over Meleágros by Oineus
49 Iphiklos Thestios Uncle of Meleágros (his mother’s brother) Aitolia Spearman + close combat skills I.200–201.
50 Palaimónios Hephaistos (raised by Lernos) Olénos I.202–206. lame of both feet
51 Iphitos Naubolos who was son of Ornytos Phokia I.207–210. Had once hosted Jason as a guest when Jason was inquiring an oracle about his voyage
52 Zéte Boreas and Oreithya (daughter of Erechtheus) Brother to Kalaïs Thrace, by the river Erginos Have wings I.211–223.
53 Kalaïs Boreas and Oreithya (daughter of Erechtheus) Brother to Zéte Thrace, by the river Erginos Have wings I.211–223.
54 Akástos Pelias Argos I.224–227. joined upon Athena’s orders
55 Daskylos Lykos, king of the Mariandynoi Grandson of Daskylos (1); brother of Priolas Land of the Mariandynoi (south Black Sea coast) Guide II.802–816. Given by his father King Lykos to sail as a companion/guide, securing the Argonauts a friendly welcome along the coast as far as the Thermodon estuary.
56 Deïleon Deïmachos of Trikka Brother of Autolykos and Phlógios Trikka (Thessaly); stranded at Sinopé II.955–963. One of three sons of Deïmachos who had marched with Herakles against the Amazons and been stranded; they meet the Argonauts at Sinopé and go aboard.
57 Autolykos Deïmachos of Trikka Brother of Deïleon and Phlógios Trikka (Thessaly); settled at Sinopé Reputed founder of Sinopé II.955–963. Ex-companion of Herakles stranded at Sinopé; boards the Argo. (Not the Autolykos who is Odysseus’ grandfather; some traditions outside Apollonius don’t count him an Argonaut.)
58 Phlógios Deïmachos of Trikka Brother of Deïleon and Autolykos Trikka (Thessaly); stranded at Sinopé II.955–963. Third son of Deïmachos; ex-companion of Herakles; boards the Argo at Sinopé.
59 Argos (son of Phrixos) Phrixos and Chalkíope Eldest of the 4 sons of Phrixos; grandson of Aiëtés, nephew of Medea; kin to Jason (Krétheus & Athamas were brothers) Aia (Kolchis); Aiolid descent through Phrixos Guides & advises the Argonauts in Kolchis II.1090–1230. Not to be confused with Argos son of Arestor (#25), the shipwright who built the Argo. Shipwrecked en route to Orchómenos to claim Athamas’ inheritance; rescued on the Isle of Ares and joins the crew, later acting as their go-between in Kolchis.
60 Kytíssoros Phrixos and Chalkíope One of the 4 sons of Phrixos; grandson of Aiëtés, nephew of Medea; kin to Jason (Krétheus & Athamas were brothers) Aia (Kolchis) II.1090–1230. One of the four sons of Phrixos rescued from the Isle of Ares.
61 Phrontis Phrixos and Chalkíope One of the 4 sons of Phrixos; grandson of Aiëtés, nephew of Medea; kin to Jason (Krétheus & Athamas were brothers) Aia (Kolchis) II.1090–1230. One of the four sons of Phrixos rescued from the Isle of Ares.
62 Melas Phrixos and Chalkíope One of the 4 sons of Phrixos; grandson of Aiëtés, nephew of Medea; kin to Jason (Krétheus & Athamas were brothers) Aia (Kolchis) II.1090–1230. One of the four sons of Phrixos rescued from the Isle of Ares.
63 Medea (Medeia) Aiëtés and Eidyia Younger sister of Chalkíope & Apsyrtos; becomes Jason’s wife Aia (Kolchis) Sorceress; priestess of Hekate Her magic wins Jason the Fleece IV.86–109. Passenger, not a catalogue hero: taken aboard as Jason’s bride-to-be after her magic secures the Fleece, and sails the whole return voyage to Hellas.

Contextual Relations

Refers To

  • (none)

References Commentary

  • (none)

Refrenced by Commentary

  • (none)

Comments # (0)

Comment