Greek Ideology > Phlegyas

Phlegyas

Background

Phlegyas is a figure in Greek mythology known for his role in various myths, particularly those associated with themes of wrath, punishment, and the underworld. Here are the key aspects of Phlegyas' myth:

Background and Lineage

1. Parentage:

   • Phlegyas is the son of Ares, the god of war, and Chryse, a mortal woman.
   • He is sometimes described as a king of the Lapiths, a Thessalian tribe known for their conflict with the Centaurs.

2. Offspring:

   • Phlegyas is the father of Ixion and Coronis. Coronis is notably the mother of Asclepius, the god of medicine, with Apollo.

Mythological Significance

1. Wrath and Vengeance:

   • Phlegyas is most famous for his act of vengeance against the god Apollo. When Phlegyas learned that Apollo had seduced his daughter Coronis, he sought revenge by setting fire to Apollo's temple at Delphi, one of the most sacred sites in ancient Greece.
   • This act of sacrilege against the gods is a key aspect of Phlegyas' story and underscores his character's association with anger and punishment.

2. Punishment in the Underworld:

   • As a result of his impious act, Phlegyas was condemned to eternal punishment in the underworld. He is depicted in the underworld, particularly in Dante's "Divine Comedy," where he is seen ferrying the souls of the damned across the river Styx or being tormented himself.
   • His punishment reflects the Greek belief in the severe consequences of offending the gods and desecrating sacred sites.

Literary References

1. Dante's "Divine Comedy":

   • In Dante Alighieri's "Inferno," Phlegyas is the boatman who ferries Dante and Virgil across the river Styx, symbolizing the transport of souls to their damnation. This depiction highlights Phlegyas' role in the broader context of medieval Christian interpretations of Greek mythology.

2. Other Classical Sources:

   • Phlegyas is mentioned in various ancient texts, including the works of Virgil and Ovid. These references often emphasize his tragic fate and serve as a moral lesson about the consequences of hubris and impiety.

Themes and Symbolism

1. Hubris and Retribution:

   • Phlegyas' story is a classic example of the theme of hubris in Greek mythology, where excessive pride or defiance against the gods leads to severe punishment. His act of burning Apollo's temple is a clear transgression that invokes divine retribution.

2. Wrath and Consequences:

   • The character of Phlegyas embodies the destructive nature of wrath. His inability to control his anger results in his eternal suffering, underscoring the idea that unchecked emotions can lead to one's downfall.

3. Guardian of the Underworld:

   • In later interpretations, particularly in Dante's "Inferno," Phlegyas serves as a guardian or ferryman of the underworld, reflecting his transition from a mortal king to a symbolic figure representing the passage of souls to their afterlife.

Summary

Phlegyas is a notable figure in Greek mythology, primarily known for his wrathful act of burning Apollo's temple in revenge for the seduction of his daughter Coronis. This act of impiety results in his eternal punishment in the underworld, where he is often depicted in later literary works, such as Dante's "Divine Comedy." Phlegyas' story highlights themes of hubris, retribution, and the consequences of anger, making him a symbolic figure in both ancient and later interpretations of Greek mythology.

Sources

Greek Ideology