Greek Mythology
Lycia — Greek Mythology
Lycia is a region of Greek myth in southwestern Asia Minor. In the legend of Bellerophon, it is the kingdom of Iobates, the land where the Chimera appears, and the setting for the hero's trials; it also appears in Trojan War narratives as the homeland of Trojan allies.
Overview
Lycia lies in southwestern Asia Minor. Bellerophon travels there from mainland Greece, reaching it through mountain roads and plains. In the narratives, Lycia includes a royal palace, mountains, valleys, pastures, and roads, making it both a seat of kingship and a region of heroic expeditions and battles.
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Role in Greek Mythology
In the story of Bellerophon, Lycia is first presented as a foreign kingdom. Proetus gives Bellerophon a sealed message ordering his death and sends him to King Iobates of Lycia. Because the laws of hospitality prevent Iobates from killing his guest directly, he sends Bellerophon against the Chimera, the Solymi, the Amazons, and an ambush. Lycia therefore becomes the place where Bellerophon changes from a falsely accused guest into a recognized hero.
In stories connected with the Trojan War, Lycia also appears as the homeland of allies. Pandarus is described as an archer from the Lycian region, while Sarpedon leads troops from Lycia to support the Trojans and dies on the battlefield in combat with Patroclus.
Geographical Background
Lycia is placed in southwestern Asia Minor, and its scenes are often shaped by mountains, valleys, roads, and pastures. The Chimera ranges through the mountains and deep valleys of Lycia, its fire threatening fields, woods, and livestock. The Solymi are described as a tough people familiar with dangerous mountain paths. The palace, wild hills, return routes, and ambush sites together form the landscape of Bellerophon's trials in Lycia.
Related Stories
"Sisyphus and Bellerophon" mentions Lycia: Bellerophon comes to the palace of Iobates with Proetus' sealed message, then kills the Chimera in this region and undergoes repeated trials meant to send him to his death.
"Bellerophon and the Chimera" mentions Lycia: it is the land where the Chimera harms fields and pastures, and the kingdom where Bellerophon gains a princess, land, and renown.
"Pandarus Breaks the Truce" mentions Lycia: Pandarus is described as an archer from the Lycian region, and after the truce he wounds Menelaus with an arrow, causing the fighting to break out again.
"The Death of Patroclus" mentions Lycia: Sarpedon leads troops from Lycia to aid the Trojans and is killed by Patroclus on the battlefield at Troy.