Phineus

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Phineus could refer to the first son of Agenor who, like his brothers Phoenix, Cadmus, Thasus and Cilix. He departed his Phoenician homeland in search of his sister Europa, who had been abducted by the god Zeus. Phineas gave up his search in Thrace, and settled on the western shores of the Black Sea, in eastern Thrace. This Phineas was the father of Thynus, Bithynus, Mariandynus and Paphlagonus, although the first two were his sons by adoption, their father being a certain Odrysus. These four men founded four kingdoms along the shores of the Black Sea - Thynia, Bithynia, Mariandyne, and Paphlagonia. Phineus was the uncle of Andromeda in Ovid's Metamorphosis, and was at first engaged to her. However, when Perseus saved her from sacrifice, Perseus became her husband. Phineas was so outraged that he stormed into the wedding hall with his followers and demanded Andromeda to be wed to him. He throws a spear at Perseus in vain and storms out. A fight begins and many die. Perseus is protected by Minerva's shield. Perseus eventually pulls out Medusa's head for Phineus and his followers to see and become stone.

Phineus and Perseus


Phineus is also a character in Jason and the Argonauts. We was the husband of Cleopatra who was daughter of Boreas. He lived on the island of Salmydessos on the Black Sea. This Phineas was said to be a son of Poseidon, or of Phoenix, and had the gift of prophecy. Zeus, angry that Phineas revealed too much of the plans of the gods, punished him by blinding him and setting him on an island with a buffet of food. However, he could eat none of it because the harpies (vicious winged women) stole the food out of his hands right before he could eat.This continued until the arrival of Jason and the Argonauts. They sent the winged heroes the Boreads after the harpies. They succeeded in driving the monsters away but did not kill them, as a request from Iris: Goddess of Rainbows who promised that Phineus would not be bothered by the harpies again. It is said that the Boreads were turned back by Iris at the Strophades. As thanks, Phineus told the Argonauts how to pass the Symplegades (clashing rocks). He was betrayed by his wife's son Jason who gave him the Golden Fleece. He was recognized as a traitor.

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