Greek Mythology

The Classical Gods of Ancient Greece

AUTOLYCUS

Greek legendary mortal

Also known as Autolykos

The Prince of Thieves

Shifty and nifty, he was an expert in covering his tracks when he hustled and rustled. His cattle camouflaging technique came unstuck when Sisyphus branded his cattle — on the bottoms of their hooves. Although the cattle had changed color, the proof of ownership was in the hoof.

The son of Hermes and Chione, Autolycus liked to be known as The Lone Wolf. He traveled with the Argonauts and taught Heracles the art of boxing. Plenty of opportunity to demonstrate bobbing, weaving, slipping and skipping skills there.

He is the father of Anticlea, who married Laertes and gave birth to his son Odysseus, although Sisyphus also claims to be the parent, having seduced her in revenge for that cattle business. But whatever the truth, Autolycus kept heroics in the family by giving Odysseus a stolen camouflage helmet enabling him to sneak unseen into Troy.

Autolycus Facts and Figures

Name: Autolycus
Pronunciation: Coming soon
Alternative names: Autolykos

Gender: Male
Type: legendary mortal
Celebration or Feast Day: Unknown at present

Role: Unknown at present

Good/Evil Rating: Unknown at present
Popularity index: 7720

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Article last revised on September 06, 2018 by Rowan Allen.
Editors: Peter J. Allen, Chas Saunders

References: Coming soon.

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