Prosymnus
Sign in to saveAlso known as Polymnus, Polymnos, Prosymnos, Hypolipnus
In Greek mythology, Prosymnus (), also called Poly(hy)mnus () or Hypolipnus, is a shepherd associated with the god Dionysus and Bacchic rites. Prosymnus helped Dionysus navigate the hazardous Alcyonian Lake in the Argolid on his way to bring his mother Semele back from the dead. Prosymnus asked for sexual favours as a reward, but died before Dionysus could keep his oath.
~6 min read
Article
6 sectionsContents
- Mythology
- Interpretation
- See also
- Footnotes
- References
- Bibliography
In Greek mythology, Prosymnus (), also called Poly(hy)mnus () or Hypolipnus, is a shepherd associated with the god Dionysus and Bacchic rites. Prosymnus helped Dionysus navigate the hazardous Alcyonian Lake in the Argolid on his way to bring his mother Semele back from the dead. Prosymnus asked for sexual favours as a reward, but died before Dionysus could keep his oath.
Prosymnus' myth is known through late-antiquity authors, particularly Christian ones criticising pagan traditions, but it seems that it had a genuine origin in older Dionysian cults.