13 Facts About Pirithous

Pirithous was a son of "heavenly" Dia, fathered either by Ixion or by Zeus.

Pirithous married Hippodamia, daughter of Atrax or Butes, at whose wedding the famous Battle of Lapiths and Centaurs occurred.

In disjointed episodes that have survived, Pirithous had heard rumors about Theseus' courage and strength in battle but he wanted proof.

Pirithous rustled Theseus' herd of cattle from Marathon, and Theseus set out to pursue him.

Pirithous took up arms and the pair met, then became so impressed with each other's gracefulness, beauty and courage they took an oath of friendship.

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Later, Pirithous was set to marry Hippodamia, their offspring being Polypoetes.

Hippodamia died shortly after Polypoetes' birth, after which Pirithous went to visit Theseus at Athens only to discover that Theseus' own wife, Phaedra, who, according to Ovid, felt left out by her husband's love for Pirithous, was dead.

Theseus objected, and tried to talk him out of it, as this act would be too blasphemous; but Pirithous insisted, and Theseus was bound by his oaths, so he agreed.

Pirithous had committed too great a crime for wanting the wife of one of the great gods as his own bride.

Rescue of Theseus and Pirithous acquired a humorous tone in the realm of Attic comedy, in which Heracles attempted to free them from the rock to which they had been bound together in the Underworld.

Pirithous succeeded in freeing only Theseus and left behind his buttocks attached to the rocks.

Pirithous was worshiped at Athens, along with Theseus, as a hero.

Theseus and Pirithous Clearing the Earth of Brigands, Deliver Two Women from the Hands of their Abductors by Angelique Mongez.