1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Ancient / Classical History

Autolycus

By N.S. Gill, About.com

Definition: Autolycus was the son of Hermes and Chione. He was the ancient prince of thieves who taught wrestling to Hercules. Autolycus could make himself and his goods invisible. Autolycus kept trying to steal the cattle of Sisyphus by disguising them magically, but Sisyphus marked the hooves of his cattle, so he could retrieve them. It is thought that on one of Sisyphus' rescue missions Sisyphus stopped for a tryst with Anticleia (Anticlia), the daughter of his chief cattle thief Autolycus. This would make Sisyphus the true father of Odysseus.
Also Known As: Prince of Thieves

Explore Ancient / Classical History

More from About.com

  1. Home
  2. Education
  3. Ancient / Classical History
  4. Studying Ancient History
  5. Glossary - Terms to Know
  6. A-F Terms
  7. A Terms
  8. AS-AZ
  9. Autolycus - Information on Autolycus

©2008 About.com, a part of The New York Times Company.

All rights reserved.