Greek Mythology
Lemnos — Greek Mythology
Lemnos is an island in Greek mythic seafaring narratives, appearing chiefly as a stop on the Argonauts' expedition and in the story of Philoctetes' abandonment. Its importance lies not in a single sanctuary or city-state, but in its repeated role as a midway island along heroic sea routes.
Overview
Lemnos lies on the sea route from Iolcus to Colchis and the Black Sea in the Argonauts tradition. It also appears on the route taken by the Greek fleet to Troy, where the stories place walls, slopes, sheltered bays, a rocky coast, and sea caves.
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In Greek mythology
Lemnos is an important early stop in the Argonaut tradition. When the Argo arrives, the island is ruled by Hypsipyle and the women of Lemnos; they had killed the island's men, leaving only King Thoas, whom Hypsipyle secretly saved. Jason and his companions are welcomed and remain there for a time before continuing their voyage after Heracles urges them onward.
In the traditions of the Trojan War, Lemnos is also the place where Philoctetes is abandoned by the Greeks. Because his wound is poisoned and unbearable, and his cries and smell are thought to burden the army, they leave him on the island with a small supply of food and Heracles' bow. Years later, when the Greeks learn that taking Troy requires Philoctetes and that bow, they bring him back.
Geography and natural setting
The Lemnos of myth has the features of a typical maritime stopover: the Argonauts see walls, slopes, and a bay, which suggests an island with settlements and a usable anchorage rather than a barren rock. The Philoctetes tradition emphasizes a rocky shore, open wind, a sparsely inhabited coast, and a sheltered cave. These details serve two different narrative settings: the arrival of the Argonauts at a city ruled by women, and the marooning of an injured hero on an isolated shoreline.
Name and literary tradition
Lemnos is the standard English form of the island's name. A transliterated spelling such as Remnos also appears in some modern Chinese renderings, but this entry uses Lemnos throughout.
Related stories
In The Argonauts on Lemnos, the Argo reaches Lemnos early in the expedition, Jason and the heroes are welcomed by Hypsipyle and the women of the island, and they sail on again afterward.
In Philoctetes Abandoned on Lemnos, the Greek fleet leaves the wounded Philoctetes in a sea cave on the island while traveling to Troy.
In The Death of Paris, the story looks back on Philoctetes' abandonment on Lemnos and his later recall to the war because prophecy says his bow is needed.