Iobates

A Lycian king, father of Antea. He was the father-in-law of Proetus, who had been expelled from his inheritance by his twin brother Acrisius. Proetus returned, supported by Iobates, and Acrisius was compelled to share his kingdom with his brother by giving up to him Tiryns, while he retained Argos for himself.

When later Bellerophon fled to Proetus in order to be purified for murder, Proetus' wife Antea fell in love with the young hero. Her offers were rejected by him, whereupon she accused him to her husband of having made improper proposals to her, and insisted upon his being put to death. Proetus, unwilling to kill him with his own hands, sent him to Iobates with a sealed letter in which the latter was requested to put the young man to death. Iobates accordingly sent him to kill the Chimaera, thinking that he was sure to perish in the contest, but Bellerophon killed the monster.

Iobates, being thus disappointed, sent Bellerophon out again, first against the Solymi and next against the Amazons. In these contests too he was victorious; and when, on his return to Lycia, he was attacked by the bravest Lycians, whom Iobates had placed in ambush for the purpose, Bellerophon slew them all. Iobates, now seeing that it was hopeless to attempt to kill the hero, showed him the letter he had received from Proetus, gave him his daughter (Philonoe, Anticleia, or Cassandra) for his wife, and made him his successor on the throne.

❧