In Greek mythology, Phorbas (Greek: Φόρβας) or Phorbaceus, native to Thessaloniki, was the son of Lapithes and Orsinome, and a brother of Periphas. When the people of the island of Rhodes fell victim to a plague of masses of serpents (may have been dragons or simply snakes), an oracle directed them to call on a man named Phorbas. Phorbas cleansed the island of the snakes and in gratitude the Rhodians venerated him as a hero. For his achievement he won a place among the stars as the constellation Serpentarius or Ophiuchus.

Other less well-supported traditions have Phorbas as the father of Augeas (perhaps he of the Augean Stables), or as a well-known boxer who was eventually defeated by Apollo.

Phorbas is also the name of a character in a play by Seneca the Younger entitled Oedipus. Phorbas, a shepherd, finds the infant Oedipus on the hillside and ensures his survival to fulfill his destiny. A number of sculptures, ranging from the 14th to the 19th century, memorialize Phorbas' rescue of Oedipus.

Another Phorbas is listed as a king or archon of Athens.

References

• Imago Mundi: Phorbas. Accessed 14 May 2006.
• Oedipus in Art
• Phorbas bringing Oedipus back to life, Louvre, Paris, France (french)
• Seneca: Oedipus. Accessed 14 May 2006.
• Smith, William (ed.). Dictionary of Greek and Roman Antiquities. 1870.

See also

• Ophiuchus