DRAKON MAIONIOS
Greek Name
Δρακων Μαιονιος
Transliteration
Drakôn Maionios
Latin Spelling
Draco Maeonius
Translation
Dragon of Maeonia
THE DRAKON MAIONIOS (Lydian Dragon) was a giant serpent which ravaged the Anatolian kingdom of Lydia (Maionia). It was slain by Herakles in the service of Queen Omphale. The hero's victory was afterwards memorialised amongst the stars as the constellation Ophiochus.
The story was probably derived from the local Lydian tale of Damasen and the Drakon.
PARENTS
Probably GAIA, though nowhere stated
CLASSICAL LITERATURE QUOTES
Pseudo-Hyginus, Astronomica 2. 14 (trans. Grant) (Roman mythographer C2nd A.D.) :
"Others point out that he [the constellation Opiuchus] is Hercules, killing in Lydia near the river Sagaris a Dracon (Dragon-Serpent) which kept destroying many men and stripping the river banks of grain. In return for this deed, Omphale, the queen of that region, sent him back to Argos loaded with gifts, and because of his bravery he was placed by Jove [Zeus] among the constellations."
SOURCES
ROMAN
- Hyginus, Astronomica - Latin Mythography C2nd A.D.
BIBLIOGRAPHY
A complete bibliography of the translations quoted on this page.