Iphiklos (1)Iphiclos

The son of Phylakos (Phylacos) and Klymene (Clymene); the uncle of Iason (Jason).

Iason’s father, Aeson, married Iphiklos’ sister, Alkimede (Alcimede) and this kinship inclined Iason to include Iphiklos in the Argonauts and the quest for the Golden Fleece.

Iphiklos was the father of Protesilaus (the first Greek soldier killed at Troy) and Podarkes (Podarces).

Iphiklos was a rich man and what we might call a cattle baron; his rich herds were thought to be such a prize that Neleus offered his daughter Pero to any man who could steal Iphiklos’ cows; a young seer named Melampous (Melampus) wanted to marry Pero and accepted the challenge but was caught by Iphiklos while trying to steal the cattle; a deal was struck in which Melampous would serve as seer for Iphiklos for one year and then Iphiklos would give Melampous the cattle he needed to marry Pero.

His name may also be rendered as Iphiklus or Iphiclus.

• Argonautika, book 1, lines 45-48
• Iliad, book 23, line 636