Pittheus
King of Troezen, grandfather of Theseus, and a wise interpreter of oracles.
Pittheus was a king of Troezen in Greek mythology, having named the city after his brother Troezen. He is known as the grandfather and instructor of Theseus, and was regarded as a wise and pious figure.
Quick Facts
- Father
- Pelops
- Children
- Aethra and Henioche
- Grandson
- Theseus
- Brother
- Troezen
- Region
- Argolis
Facts from the source article.
Biography
Pittheus was the son of Pelops and Dia, who may also be known as Hippodamia. He fathered Aethra and Henioche, and became the grandfather and instructor of Theseus. Euripides described him as the most pious son of Pelops, a wise man skilled in understanding oracles, which is why Aegeus sought his counsel. Pittheus was said to have taught the art of speaking and even written a book on it. Plutarch noted his high repute for wisdom, comparing it to that of Hesiod, and attributed to him the maxim: 'Payment pledged to a man who is dear must be ample and certain.'
Mythology
Pelops, strong due to his many children and wealth, gave daughters in marriage to high-ranking men and placed sons as rulers over cities. Pittheus and his brother Troezen came from Pisatis in Elis and were received by Aetius, son of Anthas. Anthas was brother of Hyperenor, both sons of Poseidon and the Pleiad Alcyone, who had reigned in Hyperea and Anthea before Aetius. The Pelopids settled and shared power with Aetius, so the land was ruled by three kings: Aetius, Troezen, and Pittheus, though the newcomers held real authority. After Troezen's death, Pittheus became sole king, gathered settlers, and merged Hyperea and Anthea into a single city, renaming it Troezen after his brother. Bellerophon came to Troezen to ask for Aethra's hand, but was banished from Corinth before the marriage. King Aegeus of Athens, childless from previous marriages, received an oracle from the Pythian priestess bidding him to have no woman until he reached Athens. Aegeus, finding the oracle obscure, went to Troezen for Pittheus's advice. Pittheus, understanding the oracle's meaning about Aegeus's desire for children, made Aegeus drunk, who then spent the night with Aethra. Aethra had earlier lain with Poseidon that evening, so Theseus became Aegeus's stepson. According to Plutarch, Pittheus spread the report of Aethra's union with the god so that Theseus would be regarded as Poseidon's son, since Poseidon was much revered at Troezen.
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