Nyctimus
In Greek mythology, Nictimo was a king of Arcadia, successor and son of Lycaon, being either the eldest or the youngest, according to the authors.
His father was a king very loved by his people, but his extreme religiosity degenerated to the point that he ended up making human sacrifices to Zeus Lycio and killing the guests who stayed in his house, for which he was converted in wolf. An initial version affirms that Níctimo was assassinated by his own father and served Zeus, and that it was for this reason that the god metamorphosed him.
Some of his sons then fled from Arcadia, and founded various cities throughout the world known at the time. Those who remained, who were numerous, divided up the kingdom and ruled tyrannically. They were famous for their pride and for the contempt they showed towards the gods.
The majority version affirms that Níctimo was not murdered by his father, but by his brothers: news of the impiety of the lycaonides having reached the ears of Zeus, he wanted to know first-hand the veracity of the same and, disguised as an old beggar or laborer, he appeared in the palace of the sons of Lycaon. Certain omens made them suspect the possible divinity of his host, and to prove it they killed Níctimo and, mixing his entrails with that of some animals, cooked him and served Zeus. This one, perplexed by the wickedness of his hosts, turned them all into wolves, or struck them down with lightning, according to the versions. He then burned down the palace that had hosted such aberrations and, resurrecting Níctimo, gave him the throne of Arcadia.
According to the Mythological Library of Pseudo-Apolodorus, Nyctimus was killed neither by his father nor by his brothers, and was saved from Zeus's wrath because Gaia seized the god's hand just as he had struck down all the sons of Lycaon except him.
This episode made Zeus renege on men and try to destroy them through the famous flood of Deucalion, which took place during the reign of Níctimo.
Although he had a daughter named Philonomea and a son from a previous relationship (Periphetes) with Arcadia, Níctimo was succeeded to the throne by his nephew Arcas, son of his sister Callisto and Zeus.
Mythographers identify Lycaon with Zeus Lycio, who, in his role as god of light, defeats Níctimo (darkness), or is succeeded by him, as an allegory of the eternal succession of day and night.
Predecessor: Lycaon | Kings of Arcadia | Successor: Arks |
Fonts
- Pseudo-Apolodoro: Mythological Library, III, 8, 1.
- Nono, Dionysiac, 18.22.
- Pauses: Description of Greece8.3 and 8.24.
- Plutarco, Moralia36.