PHORBAS

In Greek Mythology, 'Phorbas' (Φόρβας) or 'Phorbaceus' (Φόρβακεως), native to Thessaloniki, 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 is also the name of a character 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.

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References

See also

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

★ Ophiuchus