Cyzicus
The Dolionian king who first hosts the expedition and is later killed by the same guests in a night battle.
Overview
Cyzicus does not die as a defeated enemy king but through failed recognition. A contrary wind returns the ship, darkness and habitual raids make each side see invaders, and dawn reveals that the victors killed the host who had just welcomed them.
Relationships
- Argonaut Expeditionfirst hosts
Before the mistaken battle, Cyzicus gives the expedition friendly hospitality.
- Argois driven back to
A contrary night wind drives the recently departed Argo back to Cyzicus’ shore.
- Argonaut Expeditionkills without recognition
In darkness each side sees an enemy, and the expedition kills its recent host.
- Argonaut Expeditionmourns after recognition
At dawn the crew recognises the dead, cuts hair, holds funeral rites and delays departure.
Story appearances
- The ArgonautsCyzicus in the Argonaut expedition
Cyzicus enters this story through the Argonaut expedition; other versions are handled where their own episodes call for them.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.