Lynceus (Argonaut)

In Greek mythology, Lynceus (/ˈlɪns(j)uːs/; Ancient Greek: Λυγκεύς ) was one of the Argonauts[1][2][3] and served as a lookout on the Argo,[4] and he participated in the hunt for the Calydonian Boar.[5] He was a son of Aphareus and Arene.[1][2][6] Lynceus was the murderer of Castor, along with his brother, Idas. He helped Idas to spot and kill Castor, and was in turn killed by Pollux, but first managed to wound Pollux with a thrown rock.[7] Idas and Lynceus murdered Castor because he and his brother Pollux had kidnapped and married Phoebe and Hilaeira, the daughters of Leucippus, who were betrothed to Lynceus and Idas[4] or possibly their relatives.[6]

Lynceus was said to have excellent sight; enabling him to see through walls, trees, skin[8] and the ground.[1][6] This ability had been compared to the real technique of x-ray photography and to Superman's x-ray vision.[9][10] According to some versions he was also able to see in the dark; in others his reputation for being able to see through the ground was simply a rumor that resulted from his knowledge of geology and gold-mining.[4]

References

  1. 1 2 3 Apollonius Rhodius, Argonautica I, 151-155
  2. 1 2 Ovid, Metamorphoses VIII, 304
  3. ↑ Bibliotheca I, ix, 16
  4. 1 2 3 Hyginus, Fabulae XIV
  5. ↑ Bibliotheca I, viii, 2
  6. 1 2 3 Bibliotheca III, x, 3
  7. ↑ Bibliotheca III, xi, 2.
  8. ↑ Iamblichus, Exhortation to Philosophy
  9. ↑ Piero Formica. Stories of Innovation for the Millennial Generation: The Lynceus Long View. p. 8.
  10. ↑ James Diggle. Cambridge Orations 1982-1993: A Selection. p. 85.
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