Mares of Diomedes
creatureThe Mares of Diomedes were four savage horses that King Diomedes of Thrace fed on human flesh, making them wild and uncontrollable — the eighth labour of Heracles.
The Myth
King Diomedes of the Bistones in Thrace kept four mares — Podargos (swift), Lampon (shining), Xanthos (yellow), and Deinos (terrible) — chained to bronze mangers and fed on the flesh of his guests. For his eighth labour, Heracles overpowered Diomedes' grooms and drove the mares toward the sea. When the Bistones gave chase, Heracles left the horses in the care of his young companion Abderus. The mares killed and ate Abderus. Enraged, Heracles defeated the Bistones, fed Diomedes himself to his own horses, and the mares became calm after eating their master. He founded the city of Abdera in his companion's memory.
Parents
Unknown
Children
None recorded
Symbols
Fun Fact
The city of Abdera, founded by Heracles in memory of his fallen companion, became a real and important Greek city — birthplace of the philosopher Democritus.