Tiphys
Also known as: Tiphys son of Hagnias · Family: Argonauts · Role: helmsman of the Argo · First appears: Book I 1
Tiphys, son of Hagnias, joined the Argonauts after Athena urged him to join the band of chiefs, coming among them “a welcome comrade.” In Book I, the heroes entrusted him with guarding the helm of the Argo, and at Pagasae he helped steer the ship as it was launched. When the Argonauts unknowingly left Heracles and Polyphemus behind, Tiphys urged them aboard to catch the wind; at that moment Telamon also rushed upon him.
In Book II, Athena helped Tiphys, Jason, and the other heroes pass safely through the Clashing Rocks, which became fixed after their passage. Tiphys and Jason were counted as friends, with concern expressed for Jason and the other comrades’ safe return to Hellas. Soon afterward, Tiphys son of Hagnias died from a short sickness far from his native land and could sail no farther.
Relationship record
Life events
- Athena recruits Tiphys to join the band of chiefs.(Book I 1)
- With: Athena
- “Tritonian Athena herself urged him to join the band of chiefs, and he came among them a welcome comrade.”
- The heroes entrust Tiphys with steering the ship.(Book I 3)
- “and with one consent they entrusted Tiphys with guarding the helm of the well-stemmed ship.”
- The Argonauts launch Argo into the sea and begin preparing for departure.(Book I 3 · 📍 Pagasae)
- With: Jason
- “with one push started the ship from her place, and strained with their feet, forcing her onward; and Pelian Argo followed swiftly”
- The Argonauts sail away, unknowingly abandoning Heracles and Polyphemus.(Book I 10)
- With: Heracles Polyphemus Jason
- “But straightway the morning star rose above the topmost peaks and the breeze swept down; and quickly did Tiphys urge them to go aboard and avail themselves of the wind.”
- Athena thrusts back the rocks and pushes Argo safely through them.(Book II 5)
- The Clashing Rocks become permanently fixed after the heroes pass through alive.(Book II 5)
- With: Jason
- “And the rocks in one spot at that moment were rooted fast for ever to each other, which thing had been destined by the blessed gods, when a man in his ship should have passed between them alive.”
- Tiphys dies from a short sickness and can sail no farther.(Book II 7)
- “The tale goes that Tiphys son of Hagnias died; nor was it his destiny thereafter to sail any further. But him there on the spot a short sickness laid to rest far from his native land”
Book I 1
- patron: Athena “Tritonian Athena herself urged him to join the band of chiefs, and he came among them a welcome comrade”
- parent: Hagnias “Tiphys, son of Hagnias”
- mentor: Athena “Tritonian Athena herself urged him to join the band of chiefs”
Book I 3
- employer: Jason “with one consent they entrusted Tiphys with guarding the helm of the well-stemmed ship.”
Book I 5
- parent: Hagnias “through the cunning and counsel of prudent Tiphys son of Hagnias, who skilfully handled the well-polished helm that he might guide them steadfastly”
Book I 10
- parent: Hagnias (Hagnias is identified as Tiphys’s father.) “He spake, and rushed upon Tiphys son of Hagnias”
- with Telamon (Telamon attacks Tiphys during the quarrel.) “He spake, and rushed upon Tiphys son of Hagnias;”
Book II 5
- parent: Hagnias “at the bidding of Tiphys, son of Hagnias, rowed with good will to drive Argo between the rocks”
- friends with Jason “but I fear for this man and for that equally, and for thee, and for my other comrades, if I shall not bring you back safe to the land of Hellas.”
Book II 7
- parent: Hagnias “The tale goes that Tiphys son of Hagnias died;”
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Extracted from the original text of The Argonautica. Made with Rho MD.