Pedasus

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Pedasus (Greek: Πήδασος) has been identified with several personal and place names in Greek history and mythology.

Persons[edit]

In Homer's Iliad, Pedasus was the name of a Trojan warrior, and the son of the naiad Abarbarea and human Bucolion. His twin brother was Aesepus; both were slain by Euryalus, the son of Mecisteus, during the Trojan War.[1]

In Homer's Iliad, Pedasus was also the name of a swift horse taken as booty by Achilles when he killed Eetion.[2] This horse was killed by a spear during a duel between Patroclus and Sarpedon.[3]

Places[edit]

In Caria, according to Herodotus, the Battle of Pedasus (Summer of 496 BCE) was a night ambush where the Carians annihilated a Persian army.[4] This engagement occurred during the Ionian Revolt (499-494 BCE).

In Peloponnese, Methoni has been identified with the vine-covered Pedasus, one of the seven cities offered by Agamemnon to Achilles to quell his rage and to persuade him to return to the Siege of Troy.[5]

In the Troad, there was another Pedasus on the Satnioeis river,[6] said to be inhabited by a tribe called the Leleges.[7] During the Trojan War, this Pedasus was ruled over by a certain king named Altes, who was killed by Agamemnon.[8] This city was sacked by Achilles.[9]

References[edit]

  1. ^ Iliad, VI.29
  2. ^ Iliad, XVI.130
  3. ^ Iliad XVI.462
  4. ^ Herodotus V.121
  5. ^ Iliad IX.141, 283
  6. ^ Iliad, VI.29
  7. ^ Iliad XXI.64
  8. ^ Iliad, VI.29
  9. ^ Iliad XX.86