Heliadae

In Greek mythology, the Heliadae (/hᵻˈlaɪ.ədiː/; Greek: Ἡλιάδαι) were the seven sons of Helios and Rhode and grandsons of Poseidon, brothers to Electryone. They were Ochimus, Cercaphus, Macareus or Macar, Actis, Tenages, Triopas, and Candalus (Nonnus^[1] adds Auges and Thrinax). They were expert astrologers and seafarers, and were the first to introduce sacrifices to Athena at Rhodes.^[2] They also drove the Telchines out of Rhodes.^[1]

Tenages was the most highly endowed of the Heliadae, and was eventually killed by Macareus, Candalus, Triopas and Actis who were jealous of his skills at science. As soon as their crime was discovered, the four had to escape from Rhodes: Macareus fled to Lesbos, Candalus to Cos, Triopas to Caria, and Actis to Egypt.^[3] Ochimus and Cercaphus, who stayed aside from the crime, remained at the island and founded the city of Achaea (in the territory of modern Ialysos).^[4] Ochimus, the eldest of the brothers, seized control over the island; Cercaphus married Ochimus' daughter and succeeded to the power. The three sons of Cercaphus, Lindus, Ialusus and Camirus, were founders and eponyms of the cities Lindos, Ialysos and Kameiros respectively.^[5]

Notes

1. Nonnus, Dionysiaca, 14. 44
2. Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 5.56; Pindar, Odes Olympian 7.3
3. Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 5.57.2
4. Diodorus Siculus, Library of History 5.57.6
5. Pindar, Odes Olympian 7.3 sqq

References

• Smith, William; Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, London (1873). "Heliadae and Heliads"