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In Greek mythology, Phineus was a Thracian king who possessed the gift of prophecy [1]. The character appeared in one of Ray Harryhausen's most popular films, The 1969 mythological swords-and-sandals epic Jason and the Argonauts, where he was portrayed by former Doctor Who star Patrick Troughton.

Jason and the Argonauts[]

In their quest for the Golden Fleece, Jason and the Argonauts were directed by the goddess Hera to seek out Phineus, a seer who could tell them the way to Colchis. Arriving at the temple where Phineus lives, they find the old man in a state of deep distress: as a punishment for abusing his powers of prophecy, he has been blinded by Zeus, the Father of the Gods, and cursed to be tormented daily by a pair of monstrous Harpies.

In order to enlist Phineus's aid the group offer to assist the old man, laying a trap for the flying terrors and catching them in an enormous net. As thanks, Phineus tells them how to reach Colchis, and gifts Jason an amulet belonging to the sea-god Triton- an artefact which would prove extremely useful in the voyage ahead…

In Greek Mythology[]

Phineus's backstory remains largely faithful to the most commonly-known account of his life; however, other, lesser-known accounts, differ on many aspects of his tale, including his place of origin and the manner in which he lost his sight [1].

Gallery[]

References[]

  1. 1.0 1.1 Phineus at Wikipedia
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