Phorbas (Lapithe)

Phorbas ( ancient Greek Φόρβας ) was a hero in Greek mythology who freed the island of Rhodes from snakes. He lost his mind as the serpent bearer.

According to Hyginus , who refers to Polyzelos of Rhodes, Phorbas was a son of Triopas and Ischylla , a daughter of Myrmidon . The storm hit him on the island of Rhodes, which was then suffering from a plague of snakes. Phorbas destroyed the animals, including a huge dragon that had done particularly great damage. Apollo , who loved Phorbas very much, therefore carried him to heaven as a serpent bearer. When sailing away, the Rhodians first sacrificed to Phorbas so that unexpected salvation might come to the island, just as the hero unexpectedly came here back then.

According to Diodorus , Phorbas was a son of Lapithes . When the Rhodians were struck by the plague of snakes, they consulted the oracle of Delos and Apollo advised them to take in Phorbas, who was looking for land in Thessaly . After his death he received hero sacrifices.

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• Hyginus, De astronomia 2.14