Iphitus’s Family Tree

About Iphitus →

Family

• Eurytus(parent),Iole(sibling)

  Eurytus, king of Oechalia, fathered Iole and Iphitus. Iole was offered as prize in Eurytus's archery contest, and Iphitus alone supported honoring Heracles' victory.

Slain by

• Heracles

  Heracles hurled Iphitus from the walls of Tiryns in a fit of madness, and this murder required expiation through three years of slavery to Queen Omphale of Lydia.

Associated with

• Bow of Eurytus

  Iphitus, son of Eurytus, gave the Bow of Eurytus to Odysseus as a guest-gift when they met in Messene. Homer's Odyssey (21.31-41) records this transfer of the legendary weapon.

• Eurytus

  Among Eurytus's children, Iphitus alone urged his father to honor the archery contest and give Iole to Heracles. This loyalty to guest-right set Iphitus apart and led to his friendship with Odysseus.