The Story of Palaemon
Palaemon was a sea god who protected sailors and harbors. He began life as Melicertes, a young son of King Athamas and Ino, the daughter of Cadmus. Hera's anger at Ino for sheltering the infant Dionysus drove the family into madness.
To escape her maddened husband, Ino leapt into the sea with Melicertes in her arms. The gods made them both sea deities, Ino becoming Leucothea and her son Palaemon. A dolphin carried the boy's body to the Isthmus of Corinth, where his uncle Sisyphus buried him and founded the Isthmian Games in his honor.
The Isthmian Games became one of the four great athletic festivals of Greece, held near the sanctuary of Poseidon. Palaemon had his own shrine there, and sailors prayed to him for safe harbor. The Romans identified him with Portunus, their god of harbors and keys.
Famous Myths About Palaemon
The Boy on the Dolphin
Driven mad by Hera, Ino leapt into the sea with her son Melicertes. The gods made them sea deities, and a dolphin carried the boy's body to the Isthmus of Corinth, where Sisyphus founded the Isthmian Games in his honor.
Palaemon's Family Tree
Parents of Palaemon
Partners of Palaemon
Children of Palaemon
Frequently Asked Questions About Palaemon
Who is Palaemon in Greek mythology?
Palaemon is a sea god who protected sailors and harbors. He was once a mortal boy named Melicertes.
How did Melicertes become Palaemon?
His mother Ino leapt into the sea with him to escape her maddened husband Athamas. The gods made them both sea deities, and Melicertes became Palaemon.
How is Palaemon linked to the Isthmian Games?
A dolphin carried the boy's body to the Isthmus of Corinth, and King Sisyphus founded the Isthmian Games in his honor.
What is Palaemon's Roman name?
The Romans identified Palaemon with Portunus, the god of harbors.
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