Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology/Abderus

by William Smith

ABDE'RUS (Ἄβὸηρος), a son of Hermes, or according to others of Thromius the Locrian. (Apollod. ii. 5. § 8; Strab. vii. p. 331.) He was a favourite of Heracles, and was torn to pieces by the mares of Diomedes, which Heracles had given him to pursue the Bistones. Heracles is said to have built the town of Abdera to honour him. According to Hyginus, (Fab. 30,) Abderus was a servant of Diomedes, the king of the Thracian Bistones, and was killed by Heracles together with his master and his four men-devouring horses. (Compare Philostrat. Heroic. 3. § 1; 19. § 2.) [L. S.]