Autolycus
heroAutolycus was the greatest thief in Greek mythology, son of Hermes, who could steal anything and change its appearance — grandfather of Odysseus.
The Myth
Autolycus inherited his father Hermes's talent for thievery. He could steal anything and transform stolen goods so they were unrecognisable. He stole Sisyphus's cattle, but Sisyphus (equally cunning) marked them and tracked them down. Autolycus named his grandson Odysseus, meaning "man of pain" or "man who causes pain to others" — a name that defined the hero's life. The trickster bloodline ran through generations: Hermes to Autolycus to Odysseus.
Parents
Hermes and Chione
Children
Anticleia (mother of Odysseus)
Symbols
Fun Fact
Shakespeare used the name Autolycus for the charming rogue in The Winter's Tale — "a snapper-up of unconsidered trifles."
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
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