Abas in Greek Mythology, A Multifaceted Hero Across Generations
In Greek mythology, the name Abas in ancient Greek means 'guileless' or 'good-hearted'. He is attribuited to several heroic figures, each with distinct characteristics and stories, yet often intertwined and not always clearly separated from one another. These different Abas span various roles, from mythical kings to tragic figures transformed by divine intervention. Below, we delve deeper into the tales of these mythological heroes, highlighting their unique attributes, lineage, and the cultural significance of their stories.
A Mosaic in New Archaeological Museum of Chalkis Arethousa, Euboea
Abas, the Eponymous Hero of the Abantides
The oldest Abas in Greek mythology is recognized as the eponym of the Euboean people known as the Abantides. Euboean derives from the words "good" and "ox", meaning "(the land of) the well(-fed) oxen". Strabo writes that it took the name Euboea either by the heroine Euboea or because of a cave on the island at the Aegaean coast which was called "cow's stall" and there Io was said to have given birth to Epaphus.
The Abantides or Abanti, were a people of Thracian origin who occupied Chalcis, Eretria, and Euboea, later expanding into the Peloponnese and Asia Minor. The Abantides are mentioned by Homer for their participation in the Trojan War with 40 ships, under the command of Elephenor. On their return, they were driven by a storm to the Ceraunian promontory in Illyria. In mythology, the term "Abantiades" was used to refer to the descendants of Abas, the king of Argos.
Abas was the son of Poseidon, the god of the sea, and the nymph Arethusa. According to legend, he was mentioned in the Iliad and was accidentally killed by his grandson, Elephenor, who had come to his aid during an altercation with a servant.
Abas was not only the founder and first king of the Abantides but also the father of Canethus and Chalcodon. His descendants played significant roles in various myths, with Elephenor becoming notable for his involvement in the Trojan War. According to Valerius Flaccus, Abas was also the father of other figures like Diante, Alcon, and Arteusa. His son Diante is credited with founding a city named Athens in Euboea, reflecting his father's legacy.
Abas, the Unfortunate Son of Celeus
Another Abas in Greek mythology was the eldest son of King Celeus and Metaneira. His story is most famous for his unfortunate encounter with the goddess Demeter. Abas ridiculed Demeter while she was drinking, saying, "Oh, how greedily you drink!" In response, the goddess, angered by his disrespect, transformed him into a lizard. This tale served as a moral lesson to children, teaching them to show respect to elders and to revere the gods.
This anecdote of transformation was later adapted by the Roman poet Ovid, who attributed a similar story to another character named Stellio in his Metamorphoses. The theme of divine retribution for disrespect was a common motif in ancient mythology, emphasizing the importance of humility and reverence in the presence of the gods.
Heraion of Argos
Abas, the King of Argos and Ancestor of Perse
Perhaps the most well-known Abas was the king of Argos, the son of Lynceus and Hypermestra, uniting the bloodlines of the rival brothers Danaus and Aegyptus. As an great-grandfather of the hero Perseus (the greatest Greek hero and slayer of monsters before the days of Heracles, alongside Cadmus and Bellerophon) and his lineage, Abas was significant in both Argive and Thessalian mythologies. He is credited with founding the city of Abe in Phocis and played a pivotal role in the creation of the Pelasgic Argos in Thessaly.
Abas's legacy included his two twin sons, Acrisius and Proetus, and his daughter, Idomenea, who married Amithaon. Known for his prowess as a warrior, he was the owner of a legendary shield said to have been consecrated at the Heraion of Argos by his grandfather, Danaus. The shield was so powerful that even after Abas's death, its mere display was enough to quell rebellions and send enemies fleeing in terror. During the Trojan War, the shield eventually came into the possession of Aeneas, who dedicated it to the temple of Apollo at Actium.
Abas's influence continued through his son Proetus, who succeeded him as king. His instructions to his sons were to rule Argos alternately, ensuring the stability of his kingdom.
Abas, the Descendant of Melampus
The final notable Abas in Greek mythology was the son of Melampus, a celebrated seer, and the grandson of Amithaon. As a descendant of the previously mentioned Abas, he carried on the family tradition of prominence and prophecy. This Abas was the father of Lysimache, who married Talaos and bore Adrastus, a hero of the famous Seven Against Thebes. He was also the father of the seer Idmon, who inherited his prophetic abilities from his grandfather, and another son named Ceranus.
Through his descendants, this Abas maintained the family's influence in mythological narratives, with his offspring playing critical roles in both prophecy and leadership within the mythic traditions of ancient Greece.
Last update: October 18, 2024
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