Pronomus Explained

In Greek mythology, Pronomus or Pronomos (Ancient Greek: Πρόνομος means 'grazing forward') may refer to two characters:

• Pronomos, the "intelligent" satyr herald of Dionysus during the Indian War.^[1] In secret union, Hermes fathered him, Pherespondus and Lycus to Iphthime, daughter of Dorus.^[2] Eiraphiotes (i.e. Dionysus) entrusted to these three satyr brothers the dignity of the staff of the heavenly herald which their father was the source of wisdom.^[3]
• Pronomus, from Zacynthos, one of the suitors of Penelope along with other 43 wooers.^[4] Upon returning from Ithaca, Odysseus shot down all the suitors including Pronomus with the help of Eumaeus, Philoetius, and Telemachus.^[5]

There is also the Pronomos Painter, known for the Pronomos Vase, now in Naples, which shows actors after a performance.

Notes

1. [Nonnus]
2. Nonnus, Dionysiaca 14.113–114
3. Nonnus, Dionysiaca 14.118–119
4. [Bibliotheca (Pseudo-Apollodorus)|Apollodorus]
5. Apollodorus, Epitome 7.33

References

• Apollodorus, The Library with an English Translation by Sir James George Frazer, F.B.A., F.R.S. in 2 Volumes, Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1921. ISBN 0-674-99135-4. Online version at the Perseus Digital Library. Greek text available from the same website.
• Nonnus of Panopolis, Dionysiaca translated by William Henry Denham Rouse (1863-1950), from the Loeb Classical Library, Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press, 1940. Online version at the Topos Text Project.
• Nonnus of Panopolis, Dionysiaca. 3 Vols. W.H.D. Rouse. Cambridge, MA., Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann, Ltd. 1940-1942. Greek text available at the Perseus Digital Library.