Pirithous
Companion of Theseus who is trapped with him during the underworld venture.
Overview
Pirithous is best understood here through the underworld episode he shares with Theseus in Pseudo-Apollodorus. Their attempt to cross Hades’ boundary and take what belongs to the lower world ends in immobilisation, and Heracles meets them while fetching Cerberus. The tradition often allows Theseus a different outcome from Pirithous, which is why the pair should not be reduced to a generic friendship note. Pirithous marks the hard limit of heroic ambition: courage can enter dangerous places, but it cannot make Hades subject to ordinary heroic taking.
Key facts
Trapped with Theseus
The Library’s Cerberus episode lists Pirithous with Theseus as trapped in Hades.
Underworld taboo
Pirithous’ story reminds readers that heroic courage does not mean one may freely take things or persons from Hades.
Relationships
- Theseuscompanion of
Pseudo-Apollodorus' underworld passage links Theseus and Pirithous as companions.
Ancient sources
MythWeave distinguishes ancient-source evidence from later adaptations and modern interpretation.