In Greek mythology, more precisely in the epic tradition recounted in Homer's Odyssey, Dolius or Dolios (Ancient Greek: Δολίος, romanized: Dolíos) was a slave of Penelope whom she had received from her father Icarius on occasion of her marriage to Odysseus. He served as a gardener.1
Family
Melanthius, Odysseus's goatherd, is mentioned as a son of Dolius,2 and Melantho is described as his daughter.3 His wife was a slave from Sicily, whose name is not given.4
Mythology
After Odysseus's identity had finally been revealed, Dolius heartily welcomed Odysseus in his home, expressing great joy to see his master alive and well.5 Later, he and his six sons6 were among the loyal servants who joined Odysseus to stand against the relatives of the slain suitors.7
Notes
Notes
- Brill's New Pauly, s.v. Dolius (2); Homer, Odyssey 4.735.
- RE, s.v. Dolios (2); Homer, Odyssey 22.159.
- RE, s.v. Dolios (2); Homer, Odyssey 18.321–322.
- Homer, Odyssey 24.389.
- Homer, Odyssey 24.396 ff.
- Not including the disloyal Melanthius, who had been mutilated and killed (Homer, Odyssey 22.474).
- Homer, Odyssey 24.496–497.
References
References
- Brill's New Pauly: Encyclopaedia of the Ancient World. Antiquity, Volume 4, Cyr – Epy, edited by Hubert Cancik and Helmuth Schneider, Brill, 2004. ISBN 9004122672.
- Homer, The Odyssey with an English Translation by A.T. Murray, PH.D. in two volumes. Cambridge, MA., Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann, Ltd. 1919. ISBN 978-0674995611. Online version at the Perseus Digital Library. Greek text available from the same website.
- Realencyclopädie der classischen Altertumswissenschaft, Band V, Halbband 1, Stuttgart, J. B. Metzler, 1903. Wikisource.