Phorbas of Thessaly

In Greek mythology, Phorbas (Greek: Φόρβας, gen. Φόρβαντος) or Phorbaceus was the son of Triopas and Hiscilla (daughter of Myrmidon). He was a hero of the island of Rhodes, was sometimes confounded with the Phlegyan Phorbas.[1] Phorbas was also said to have been the father of Pellen, eponym of the city of Pellene, Achaea.[2]

For other uses, see Phorbas.

Mythology

When the people of the island of Rhodes fell victim to a plague of masses of serpents (may have been dragons or simply snakes), an oracle directed them to call on a man named Phorbas. Phorbas cleansed the island of the snakes and in gratitude the Rhodians venerated him as a hero. For his achievement he won a place among the stars as the constellation Serpentarius or Ophiuchus.[3]

According to an early account, before his departure, Phorbas was a rival in love of the god Apollo.[4] However, in later accounts he was portrayed as Apollo's lover. Then he died like all of Apollo's lovers. [5][6]

References
  1. Diodorus Siculus, Library of History, 5. 58. 5
  2. Pausanias, Description of Greece, 7. 26. 12
  3. Hyginus, Poetical Astronomy, 2. 14
  4. Homeric Hymns to Apollo, 3.211
  5. Plutarch, Numa 4
  6. Hyginus, Astronomica 2. 74


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