Thrax (mythology)

In Greek mythology, Thrax (Ancient Greek: Θρᾷξ; by his name simply the quintessential Thracian) was regarded as one of the reputed sons of Ares.[1] In the Alcestis, Euripides mentions that one of the names of Ares himself was Thrax since he was regarded as the patron of Thrace (his golden or gilded shield was kept in his temple at Bistonia in Thrace).[2]

In popular culture

Thrax makes a brief appearance in the direct-to-DVD animated movie Wonder Woman, as the son of Ares and Hippolyta. He is killed by Hippolyta during the start of the film, leading to Ares' defeat and capture. Later, he is seen serving Hades in the underworld.

See also

• Tiras – eponymous ancestor of Thracians according to Flavius Josephus

References

1. Lemprière and Wright, p. 358. "Mars was father of Cupid, Anteros, and Harmonia, by the goddess Venus. He had Ascalaphus and Ialmenus by Astyoche; Alcippe by Agraulos; Molus, Pylus, Euenus, and Thestius, by Demonice the daughter of Agenor. Besides these, he was the reputed father of Romulus, Oenomaus, Bythis, Thrax, Diomedes of Thrace, &c."
2. Euripides, p. 95. "[Line] 58. 'Thrace's golden shield' - One of the names of Ares was Thrax, he being the Patron of Thrace. His golden or gilded shield was kept in his temple at Bistonia there. Like the other Thracian bucklers, it was of the shape of a half-moon ('Pelta'). His 'festival of Mars Gradivus' was kept annually by the Latins in the month of March, when this sort of shield was displayed."

Sources

• Lemprière, John and Wright, Frederick Adam. Lemprière's Classical Dictionary of Proper Names Mentioned in Ancient Authors. Routledge, 1949. ISBN 0-7100-1734-0
• Euripides, H. B. L., i.e. Henry Barrett Lennard, translator. The Alcestis of Euripides: Translated From The Greek Into English, Now For The First Time In Its Original Metres, With Preface, Explanatory Notes, And Stage Directions Suggesting How It Might Have Been Performed. London: R. Bentley and Sons, 1884.