Greek Mythology Notes

Amphilochus

hero
Ἀμφίλοχος
prophecy, colonization

Seer and hero who founded oracle sites across the eastern Mediterranean after the Trojan War.

The Myth

Amphilochus was the son of the seer Amphiaraus and brother of Alcmaeon. After fighting at Troy, he wandered the Mediterranean founding oracular shrines, most famously at Mallus in Cilicia. When he and the seer Mopsus disputed control of the Mallus oracle, they fought a duel in which both died. Yet even in death, their joint oracle flourished — petitioners would sleep in the temple and receive answers in dreams.

Parents

Amphiaraus, Eriphyle

Symbols

oracular shrineseer's staff

Fun Fact

The oracle of Amphilochus at Mallus was so respected that Alexander the Great granted the city tax-free status.

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