Phrixus

Also known as: the Aeolid Phrixus / the Minyan son of Athamas · Family: Boeotia · Role: hero · First appears: Book II 9

Phrixus, the Aeolid son of Athamas and grandson of Aeolus, came to Aea on a golden ram made by Hermes. At Aea, Aeetes received him with gladness and gave him his daughter Chalciope in marriage: “And him did Aeetes receive in his palace, and with gladness of heart gave him his daughter Chalciope in marriage without gifts of wooing.” Zeus sent Hermes so that Phrixus would find friendly hospitality with Aeetes, for he surpassed strangers in gentleness and fear of the gods.

Phrixus died aged in Aeetes’ home: “But Phrixus died at last, an aged man, in the home of Aeetes;” Through Chalciope, he was the father of Argus, Cytissorus, Phrontis, and Melas, who later journeyed to Orchomenus at his behest. He also set up an alder to Zeus after sacrificing the golden ram at Hermes’ bidding.

Relationship record

Life events

• Aeetes receives Phrixus and gives him Chalciope in marriage.(Book II 9 · 📍 Aea)
  • With: Aeetes Chalciope
  • “And him did Aeetes receive in his palace, and with gladness of heart gave him his daughter Chalciope in marriage without gifts of wooing.”
• Phrixus dies aged in the home of Aeetes.(Book II 9)
  • “But Phrixus died at last, an aged man, in the home of Aeetes;”
• Zeus sends Hermes so Phrixus will receive Aeetes’ friendly hospitality.(Book III 5)
  • With: Zeus Hermes Aeetes
  • “Phrixus, who surpassed all strangers in gentleness and fear of the gods, had not Zeus himself sent Hermes his messenger down from heaven, so that he might meet with a friendly host;”