A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Ἐλπήνωρ), one of the companions of Odysseus, who were metamorphosed by Circe into swine, and afterwards back into men. Intoxicated with wine, Elpenor one day fell asleep on the roof of Circe's residence, and in his attempt to rise he fell down and broke his neck. (Hom. Od. 10.550, &c.) When Odysseus was in the lower world, lie met the shade of Elpenor, who implored him to burn his body and to erect a monument to him (Od. 11.57.) After his return to the island of Circe, Odysseus complied with this request of his friend (Od. 12.10, &c.; comp. Juven. xv 22; Ov. Ibis, 487.) Elpenor was painted by Polygnotus in the Lesche at Delphi. (Paus. 10.29.) Servius (Serv. ad Aen. 6.107) relates that Elpenor was killed by Odysseus himself for necromantic purposes.

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