Science Fair Project Encyclopedia
Autolycus
In Greek mythology, Autolycus, or Autólykos was the son of Chione and Hermes and father of Anticlea. He was a renowned thief (skills passed down from his father) and wrestler (which he taught to Heracles).
Autolycus stole the cattle of Eurytus and the helmet that his grandson, Odysseus, eventually wore during the Trojan War. Autolycus was one of the Argonauts.
Apollodorus. Bibliotheke I, ix, 16; II, iv, 9; vi, 2; Ovid. Metamorphoses XI, 301-17; Homer. Iliad X, 265-271; Homer. Odyssey XI, 84-6; XIX,395-566.
Autolycus is also the name of a thieving pedlar in William Shakespeare's A Winter's Tale, and also a character played by Bruce Campbell in Hercules: the Legendary Journeys and Xena: Warrior Princess who styles himself "the King of Thieves". Both characters were inspired by the mythic figure.
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