In Greek mythology, Phorbas (Greek: Φόρβας) or Phorbaceus,a prince of the Thessalian Phlegyes who emmigrated to Elis in the Peloponnesos. Another Phorbas, a hero of the island of Rhodes, was sometimes confounded with the Phlegyan Phorbas. Phorbas was the son of Lapithes and Orsinome, and a brother of Periphas. 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.
Other less well-supported traditions have Phorbas as the father of Augeas (perhaps he of the Augean Stables), or as a well-known boxer who was eventually defeated by Apollo.
Phorbas was also the name of the father of Triopas, king of Argos. According to Tatiānus, he may have been a king of Argos himself.
A character named Phorbas appears in a play by Seneca the Younger entitled Oedipus. Phorbas, a shepherd, finds the infant Oedipus on the hillside and ensures his survival to fulfill his destiny. A number of sculptures, ranging from the 14th to the 19th century, memorialize Phorbas' rescue of Oedipus.
Another Phorbas is listed as a king or archon of Athens.
References
- Imago Mundi: Phorbas. Accessed 14 May 2006.
- Oedipus in Art
- Phorbas bringing Oedipus back to life, Louvre, Paris, France (french)
- Seneca: Oedipus. Accessed 14 May 2006.
- Smith, William (ed.). Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities. 1870.
See also
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