Who was Abaris the Hyperborean?
Abaris the Hyperborean was a legendary ancient Greek sage and priest who fled his homeland of Hyperborea during a plague. He was the son of Seuthes, a name that anchors him in mythic lineage.
Questions about Abaris the Hyperborean
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did Abaris the Hyperborean travel according to Heraclides Ponticus?
Heraclides Ponticus claims that Abaris the Hyperborean flew through the air on an arrow symbolizing Apollo. This same arrow allowed him to eat no food while traveling these vast distances around the world.
What books are attributed to Abaris the Hyperborean in the Suda?
The Suda attributes several works to Abaris including Scythian Oracles written in dactylic hexameter. These lists also include a prose theogony, a poem on the marriage of river Hebrus, and an account of Apollo's visit to Hyperboreans.
When did Abaris the Hyperborean live according to Pindar?
Pindar places Abaris the Hyperborean during the time of Croesus the Lydian king. Ancient sources describe how he purified cities like Sparta and Knossos from plagues.
Why is Abaris the Hyperborean significant to Plato?
Plato classed Abaris among Thracian physicians who practiced medicine upon the soul as well as the body. These doctors used incantations known as epodaí to heal their patients.