Autolycus, a figure in Greek mythology, is renowned as the son of Hermes, the god of trade, thieves, and travelers, and Chione, a mortal woman.
Parentage and Birth
Autolycus was born to Hermes, the messenger god, and Chione, the daughter of Daedalion.
Hermes was known for his cunning and trickery, and these qualities were inherited by his son.
According to some accounts, Autolycus was born with the ability to shapeshift and make himself or his possessions invisible, gifts bestowed upon him by Hermes.
These abilities made Autolycus an exceptional thief, allowing him to steal without being detected.
Renowned Thief
Autolycus became famous throughout Greece as an unparalleled thief. His ability to alter the appearance of stolen goods made him nearly impossible to catch.
For instance, if he stole livestock, he could change their color or shape so that the original owners could not recognize them.
This talent was so effective that his victims would often be unaware that they had been robbed until long after the crime had been committed.
Interaction with Sisyphus
One of the most notable stories involving Autolycus is his encounter with Sisyphus, the cunning king of Corinth.
Autolycus frequently stole Sisyphus’s cattle, altering their appearance so that the thefts went unnoticed.
However, Sisyphus eventually grew suspicious and marked the hooves of his cattle. When his cattle went missing again, Sisyphus was able to trace them back to Autolycus, revealing the thief’s guilt.
According to some versions of the myth, Sisyphus then seduced Autolycus’s daughter, Anticlea, who later gave birth to Odysseus.
This led to speculation that Odysseus might be the biological son of Sisyphus, rather than Laertes, though this is not universally accepted.
Autolycus and Odysseus
Autolycus was the maternal grandfather of the hero Odysseus.
In Homer’s “Odyssey,” it is mentioned that Autolycus was responsible for giving Odysseus his name, which means “son of pain” or “trouble.”
Autolycus’s influence on Odysseus is evident in the latter’s own cunning and resourcefulness, traits that helped him survive his many adventures.
Autolycus also plays a role in the story of the scar on Odysseus’s leg, which becomes crucial in the hero’s recognition scene in the “Odyssey.”
When Odysseus was a young boy, he visited his grandfather Autolycus, who took him hunting on Mount Parnassus.
During the hunt, Odysseus was gored by a wild boar, leaving a distinctive scar on his leg. This scar later served as a key identifying feature when Odysseus returned home after his long journey.
