Tiphys
Original helmsman of the Argo whose skill guided the ship through the Clashing Rocks
The Legend of Tiphys
Tiphys was the son of Hagnias and the original helmsman of the Argo, chosen for his unmatched skill in reading the seas and stars. He was inspired by Athena herself to join the expedition, and some traditions say the goddess taught him the art of navigation. His greatest achievement was steering the Argo through the Symplegades, the Clashing Rocks that crushed any ship attempting to pass between them. Following Phineus's advice, the crew released a dove to fly through first, and when the rocks parted for the bird, Tiphys drove the Argo through at full speed. The rocks clipped only the stern ornament before being fixed open forever. Tragically, Tiphys fell ill and died during the voyage, before the crew reached Colchis. His death was a severe blow, and the Argonauts mourned him deeply before Ancaeus took his place at the helm.
Parents
Hagnias
Symbols
Fun Fact
After Tiphys steered through the Clashing Rocks, they froze in place and never moved again, opening the passage forever
Explore Further
Ancaeus
🗡 heroSeamanship, strength
Mighty Argonaut who took over as helmsman of the Argo after the death of Tiphys
Leodocus
🗡 heroCombat, Argonaut voyage
Argonaut who joined Jason's expedition to Colchis aboard the legendary ship Argo
Eurydamas
🗡 heroCombat, Argonaut voyage
Argonaut from the shores of Lake Xynias who sailed with Jason to Colchis
Eribotes
🗡 heroHealing, loyalty
Argonaut who served as a healer aboard the Argo and recovered the body of his fallen companion Canthus
Theseus
🗡 heroFounder-hero of Athens
Theseus was the great hero of Athens who slew the Minotaur, united Attica, and established Athenian democracy — Athens' answer to Heracles.
Jason
🗡 heroLeader of the Argonauts
The hero who assembled the Argonauts and sailed to Colchis to retrieve the Golden Fleece, aided by Medea's sorcery.
Coronus
🗡 heroLapith heritage, combat
Son of the Lapith lord Caeneus who sailed with the Argonauts as a representative of his people
Erytus
🗡 heroCombat, brotherhood
Argonaut who sailed with his brother Actor on the voyage to retrieve the Golden Fleece
Nauplius
🗡 heroNavigation, Vengeance, Deception
Master navigator who wrecked the Greek fleet on false beacon fires in revenge for his son Palamedes' unjust execution.
Aegeus
🗡 herotragedy
King of Athens and father of Theseus who threw himself into the sea when he saw black sails, believing his son was dead.
Idmon
🗡 heroprophecy, sacrifice
A seer among the Argonauts who foresaw his own death on the voyage but sailed anyway, embodying the Greek ideal of knowingly accepting fate.
Actor
🗡 heroCombat, brotherhood
Argonaut who sailed with his brother Erytus and joined Jason's quest for the Golden Fleece