A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology

(Λιτυέρσης), a natural son of Midas, lived at Celaenae in Phrygia, engaged in rural pursuits, and hospitably received all strangers that passed his house, but he then compelled them to assist him in the harvest, and whenever they allowed themselves to be surpassed by him in their work, he cut off their heads in the evening, and concealed their bodies in the sheaves, accompanying his deed with songs. Heracles, however, slew him, and threw his body into the Maeander. The Phrygian reapers used to celebrate his memory in a harvestsong which bore the name of Lityerses (Schol. ad Theocrit. 10.41; Athen. 14.615, 14.619; Eustath. ad Hom. p. 1164; Hesych., Phot., Suid. s.v. Pollux, 4.54). Concerning the song Lityerses see Eichstädt, De Dramate Graecor. comicosatyrico, imprimis de Sosithei Lityersa, p. 16, &c. ; Ilgen, De Scoliorum Poesi, p. 16, &c.

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