Amarynceus

Amarynceus

Minor Spiritwell-documentedAncient Greek mythic-historical traditionHomeric epic cycleLocal Elean legendary history (as preserved by Pausanias and later compilations)ElisEpeiiBuprasium (Elis)
Origin

Amarynceus is presented in the sources as a member of the heroic generation tied to Elis. He is treated as a regional chief whose parentage is given in varying accounts (e.g., son of Onesimachus; son of Acetor/Alector and Diogeneia; in some accounts connected to Thessalian immigrants), and as the father of Diores and Hippostratus. Rather than a divine or chthonic origin, his identity functions to anchor local claims of lineage and participation in wider heroic events (Trojan expedition, contests surrounding Heracles and Augeas).

Appearance

Primary sources and collected summaries provide no physical or visual description of Amarynceus. He is represented through social role, genealogy, and deeds rather than bodily detail.

Abilities

No supernatural abilities are ascribed to Amarynceus in the cited materials; his capacities are political and military: he is a chief of the Eleans, an ally rewarded by Augeas (shared rule), and an actor in martial and funerary contexts. Some sources attribute direct participation in the Trojan expedition (Hyginus), while Homer records his son Diores as the named combatant, reflecting variant traditions about his military role.

Entity Network
HHeraclesAAmarynceus
related
Related Entities
Heracles
Ancient

Heracles

Heracles is the greatest hero of Greek myth whose career bridges mortal hero-cult and full divinization. Celebrated for his Twelve Labours, martial prowess, and travels between the mortal world, the underworld, and Olympus, he functioned as a civic patron, ancestor of royal lines (the Heracleidae), and object of cult that treated him both as chthonic hero and as god.

Community Record

Sources
  1. [1]
    Amarynceus — Wikipedia. Wikipedia entry summarizing classical references to Amarynceus.wiki
  2. [2]
    Pausanias — Description of Greece (Elis material summarized). Pausanias' account as summarized in archival compilation: reports Amarynceus' service to Augeas and shared rule.literary
  3. [3]
    Hyginus (as cited). Summary citation noting Hyginus reports Amarynceus joined the Trojan expedition with nineteen ships.literary
  4. [4]
    Homeric references (Diores, Amarynceides). Homer names Diores, son of Amarynceus (Amarynceides), among the participants in the Trojan War; Homer does not list Amarynceus himself.literary
  5. [5]
    Myths.uvic.ca — Amarynceus entry. University of Victoria myth catalog entry summarizing variant genealogies and traditions concerning Amarynceus.other
  6. [6]
    Pantheon.org — Amarynceus. Reference summary of Amarynceus' role as chief of the Eleans and related traditions.other
well-documented