ParaebiosParaebius

When the Argonauts were on the island that was home to the wretched prophet, Phineus, they met a man named Paraebios.

Although Phineus was plagued with hunger and old age for his offenses to the Immortals, he still gave prophetic council to his neighbors; Paraebios came to Phineus because no matter what he did or how piously he behaved, his life was filled with hardship and disappointment; Phineus perceived correctly that Paraebios was being punished for the arrogance of his father; Paraebios’ father had been chopping wood in the mountains and the Hamadryad of one of the trees begged him not to destroy her tree; in his arrogance, Paraebios’ father chopped down the tree and thus killed the nymph who shared its life.

Paraebios was destined to toil without reward until he repented and atoned for his father’s despicable actions; on Phineus’ advice, Paraebios built an altar and offered prayer and sacrifice to be relieved of his inherited burden; the sin was forgiven and Paraebios honored Phineus by bringing him food even though he knew that the Harpies would steal it from Phineus’ mouth.

• Argonautika, book 2, lines 468-489