< Ismenus, son of Epopeus >

1 Origin

Ismenus was born in Aegialeia (later Sicyon) in 1345 BC.

Ismenus' mother was Metope (or Melia). [Apo.3.12.6, Diod.4.72.2, Paus.9.10.6]

Metope's husband was Epopeus, son of Aloeus, and Ismenus' father was Epopeus. [See Epopeus]

2 Others

2.1 Emigration to Boeotia

Ismenus was the son of the river god Asopus of Phlius. [Diod.4.72.1]

Ismenus migrated to Boeotia and settled near Cadmeia. [Diod.4.72.2]

It is believed that Ismenus probably settled on the hill to the right of the Electran gate of Thebes. The hill was later called the Ismenian hill, and the river flowing on the east side of the hill was called the Ismenus River. [Paus.9.10.2]

The hill where Ismenus migrated is presumed to have been the settlement of Metope's family for the following reasons:

1) The hill contained the tomb of Metope's brother Caanthus. [Paus.9.10.5]

2) Before it was called the Ismenus River, it was called by the name of Ladon, Metope's father. [Paus.9.10.6]

2.2 Oracle of Ismenian Apollo

Before the Battle of Plataea in 479 BC, the Persians received an oracle from the Ismenian Apollo of Thebes. [Herod.8.134]

Also, before the Battle of Leuctra in 371 BC, the Thebans received an oracle from the Ismenian Apollo. [Paus.4.32.5]

Ismenus, like his brother Tenerus, was a prophet and is presumed to have established an oracle.