Periclymenus
heroGrandson of Poseidon and defender of Pylos who could shapeshift into any animal but was killed by Heracles with Athena's help.
The Myth
He turned into an eagle to attack Heracles from above — and Athena pointed him out so Heracles could shoot him down. Periclymenus received the gift of shapeshifting from his grandfather Poseidon. When Heracles attacked Pylos, Periclymenus transformed into a lion, a snake, a bee, and finally an eagle. Each form was defeated. Athena identified him in eagle form, and Heracles shot him with a Hydra-venom arrow. His death left only Nestor alive from the sons of Neleus. Some versions say he also sailed with the Argonauts. His shapeshifting power parallels that of Proteus and Thetis — a Poseidon-lineage ability that mortal descendants could inherit but never fully control.
Symbols
Fun Fact
Periclymenus is one of the very few mortal men in Greek myth with Proteus-like shapeshifting ability.
Explore Further
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