In the genealogical and topographical accounts preserved in classical sources (notably Pausanias as recorded in modern compendia), Stymphalus appears as one of the sons of Elatus and (in some lists) Laodice, and as a grandson of Arcas. Classical antiquarian tradition explains that the city, a spring, and a lake/region in Arcadia took their names from this ancestral figure — i.e., Stymphalus 'gave his name' to these places. He functions in these accounts as an eponymous founder whose memory anchors local toponymy and civic identity.
The surviving excerpts and cited antiquarian summaries provide no physical description or iconographic detail for Stymphalus. He is presented in genealogical lists and topographical explanation rather than through portraiture or corporeal attributes.
No supernatural abilities or active mythic deeds are ascribed to Stymphalus in the supplied sources; his principal role is genealogical and toponymic — as a named ancestor and eponym who accounts for the names of a spring, a lake/region, and a city in Arcadia. The sources do not attribute powers, behaviors, or hostile agency to him.
Weaknesses
- othernone attested in sources
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Elatus
Elatus (Ancient Greek: Ἔλατος) is a personal name borne by multiple distinct figures in ancient Greek mythic tradition — including an Arcadian founder-eponym, a Lapith prince, a centaur slain in combat with Heracles, and several minor epic personae (charioteer, Trojan ally, suitor). The name functions as an onomastic label across genealogical, foundation, and heroic-age narratives rather than designating a single recurring supernatural class.
Arcas
Arcas (Ancient Greek Ἀρκάς) is a mythic Greek culture-hero and eponymous founder of Arcadia: a hunter who becomes king, credited with teaching weaving, baking, and agriculture, and whose narrative involves Zeus, Callisto, Lycaon, and apotheosis among the stars.
Cyllen
Cyllen (also attested as Cyllene in place-name forms) is an eponymous figure in Greek mythographic and topographic tradition credited with giving his name to Mount Cyllene in Arcadia. He appears in genealogical lists of Arcadian heroes and functions primarily as an etiological ancestor in local myth rather than as a richly characterized deity or monster.
Community Record
- [1]Pausanias, Description of Greece (Book 8: Arcadia). Pausanias, Description of Greece 8.4.6; 8.5.4 (as cited in collected references)literary
- [2]Stymphalus (Arcadia) — Wikipedia. Summary entry noting derivation of city name from Stymphalus and citing Pausaniaswiki
- [3]Stymphalus (son of Elatus) — Wikipedia. Genealogical summaries listing parents, siblings, and attributed descendants (e.g., Agamedes, Gortys, Agelaus) and noting eponymywiki
- [4]Arcadia (Greek Mythology Link) — local genealogies. Compilatory account of Arcadian genealogies referencing eponymous figures including Stymphalus and Cyllenother