![]() Photograph courtesy of the Department of Archaeology, Boston University,įollowing the murder of Iphytus, Hercules contracted a terrible disease, as a result of his violent outburst. The Mycenaean citadel of Tiryns: West walls from the southwest Unfortunately for Iphytus, however, during the visit something went awry, and Hercules, in another fit of madness, hurled Iphytus to his death from the top of the walls of Tiryns. Hercules received Iphytus in good cheer and the two men passed the time entertaining each other. Iphytus, however, refused to believe that Hercules was the thief and set out to pay him a visit at Tiryns (another version suggests Iphytus went to Tiryns to look for the cattle himself). Eurytus instantly thought that Hercules was the culprit. Shortly after Hercules' departure, some mares (or cattle, depending on the storyteller) were stolen by Autolycus from a local man. With permission of the Museum of Fine Arts, BostonĬrestfallen and dismayed, Hercules left Oechalia. For Eurytus, the reasoning was simple: he would not allow his beloved daughter to marry (and eventually have children with) a man who had a history of murdering his sons in a fit of rage (remember that whole Megara fiasco?), for fear that the same fate would befall his own grandchildren.īoston 13.195, Attic red figure lekythos, c. One may wonder why a prince would deny the strongest man in the world his daughter in marriage. In this decision he was supported by all of his sons except Iphytus. Iole and Hercules after the archery contest, with King Eurytus and his other childrenĬourtesy of the Muse du Louvre When it came time, however, for Eurytus to hand over Iole to Hercules, as his bride, Eurytus refused. It should come as no surprise that Hercules defeated his fellow contestants with ease. His was a challenge that pitted student against teacher. Legend has it that Eurytus was the man who first schooled Hercules in the use of the bow. Upon hearing this, Hercules traveled to Oechalia and competed against Eurytus and his sons. Somehow or another, Hercules caught wind that Eurytus, the prince of Oechalia, was offering his beautiful daughter, Iole, as a bride prize to any man who could best him and his sons in an archery contest. After completing his twelve labors, Hercules hit the road, once again.
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