Biston

For the moth genus, see Biston (moth).

In Greek mythology, Biston /ˈbɪstən/ (Ancient Greek: Βίστων or Βιστών) was the son of Ares and Callirrhoe, daughter of river-god Nestus. His two brothers were Odomas and Edonus (eponyms of two Thracian tribes, the Odomanti and the Edoni).[1] Alternately, he was called son of Paeon and grandson of Ares, or son of Terpsichorus.[2]

Biston built the city of Bistonia on the shores of Lake Bistonis in Thrace. He also introduced the Thracian practice of tattooing both men and women with eye-like patterns as a magical fetish, in response to an oracle which guaranteed victory against the neighbouring Edonians tribe if so adorned. The Thracian Bistonians were famous for their warlike nature and cult of Ares whom they worshipped in the form of an upright standing sword.

See also

References

  1. ↑ Stephanus of Byzantium s.v. Bistonia
  2. ↑ Etymologicum Magnum, 197. 59 s. v. Bistoniē
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