In Greek mythology, Abia (Ancient Greek: Ἀβία) served as the nursemaid of Hyllus, the son of Heracles and Deianira. In some translations, the child she nursed is referred to as Glenus.[1] After the unsuccessful attempt of Heracles' son Hyllus to return to the Peloponnesus, Abia settled there.[2]
Abia | |
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Abode | Messenia, Ire (Abia) |
Abia was honored by the Heraclid Cresphontes for constructing a temple dedicated to Heracles in Ira. As a result, the town of Ira was renamed Abia in her honor. Abia was one of the seven cities promised by Agamemnon to Achilles in an effort to persuade him to rejoin the Trojan War. Eventually, Abia became a part of the Achaean League.
In Pausanias' Description of Greece the origin of the city's name and the stories surrounding it is explained: as follows
This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Schmitz, Leonhard (1870). "Abia". In Smith, William (ed.). Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. Vol. 1. p. 2.