Eurymede

Lesserwell-documentedAncient Greek mythic genealogiesClassical mythographyLocal Megarian/Corinthian variants (dramatic retellings)Megara (Corinthian/Megarian tradition)Corinth/Ephyra (derivative accounts of Bellerophon)Calydon (Aetolia)

Eurymede (Ancient Greek Εὐρυμήδη / Εὐρυμέδη, romanized Eurumēdē / Eurymēdē) is a personal name borne by mortal women in Greek mythic genealogies. In the sources provided she appears as a human matron or princess whose familial relationships connect her to heroes (notably Bellerophon) or to the daughters of Oeneus (the Meleagrides).

Origin

The name Eurymede appears in multiple, variant genealogical strands rather than a single origin narrative. In one strand she is named as the mother of the hero Bellerophon by Glaucus (sources that collect mythographic traditions, summarized in classical compilations and modern references). In alternate tradition(s) cited in later retellings and local lore she is identified with the name-form Eurynome and presented as a daughter of King Nisus of Megara, placing her in a Megarian royal household and thereby providing a local account of Bellerophon's parentage. In a separate genealogical tradition she is listed among the daughters of King Oeneus of Calydon and Althaea and thus counts as one of the sisters of Meleager (the Meleagrides); in that narrative the sisters grieve Meleager's death and are transformed into birds by Artemis. The supplied sources present these strands as alternate, locally rooted versions of genealogical relationships rather than as cumulative biographical episodes.

Appearance

No physical description is supplied in the sources; Eurymede is attested only as a named mortal woman within genealogical lists and narrative mentions. Like many named women in Greek genealogies, she is identified relationally (mother, daughter, sister, princess) rather than by bodily attributes or costume.

Abilities

The sources attribute no supernatural powers or characteristic abilities to Eurymede herself. Her narrative function is genealogical: as mother of Bellerophon in some accounts, and as one of Oeneus's daughters (one of the Meleagrides) in others. In the Meleagrides tradition she shares in a collective metamorphosis—being among the sisters turned into birds—which is enacted by the goddess Artemis; the transformation is divine action rather than an innate ability of Eurymede.

Community Record

Sources
  1. [1]
    Eurymede — Wikipedia. Wikipedia, entry 'Eurymede' (summary of ancient name-forms and attested characters)wiki
  2. [2]
    Βελλεροφόντης (Bellerophon) — lyrical theatre drama (Modern Greek verse). Archive.org, lyric theatre drama 'Bellerophon' (notes a local tradition naming Eurynome/Eurymede daughter of Nisus of Megara)literary
  3. [3]
    LP0077 - III ARGONAUTS - Introduction to the Argonauts / The Library of Apollodorus (excerpt). Archive.org, material related to Apollodorus and mythographic compilations that record variant genealogies (used as reference for genealogical variants)literary
  4. [4]
    Wikidata: Eurynome. Wikidata entry for Eurynome (variant name-form linked to some accounts of Eurymede/Eurynome)other
well-documented