What is "xanthus"

Xanthus (; , Xanthos, "yellow, blond") or Xanthos may refer to:

Xanthus of Lydia (, Xanthos) was a native Lydian historian and logographer who, during the mid-fifth century BC, wrote texts on the history of Lydia known as Lydiaca (Λυδιακά). Xanthus also wrote occasionally about geology. It is believed that Xanthus was the earliest historian to have written a significant amount on the topic of Lydian history. He is also believed to have written a work entitled Magica (Mαγικά), as well as one entitled Life of Empedocles. It is believed that Xanthus had some knowledge of Persian traditions, and it is plausible that he, a Lydian, would write about Persian religion, but it seems unlikely due to the available evidence., His seat was believed to be at Sardis, the capital. A contemporary and colleague of Herodotus, most of his writings concerned the lineage and deeds of the Lydian kings. Xanthus was known for writing in the traditional Ionian style of trying to establish the scene of popular myths. One example of Xanthus using this type of writing style is when he placed the scene of the "giant's punishment" in Katakekaumene. Xanthus was also known for adapting historical events that were often considered boring into passages that the general Greek public would enjoy. Xanthus was one of the chief authorities used by Nicolaus of Damascus.

In Greek mythology, the name Xanthus or Xanthos may refer to:

• Divine
  • Xanthus, the gods' name for Scamander, the great river of Troy and its patron god
  • Xanthus, one of the twelve sons of the god Pan who were allied with Dionysus
• Human
  • Xanthus, son of Triopas and Oreasis
  • Xanthus, a son of Phaenops who was killed by Diomedes
  • Xanthos (King of Thebes), the son of Ptolemy, killed by Andropompus or Melanthus
  • Xanthus, a son of Aegyptus who was killed by the Danaid Arcadia
  • Xanthus, lover of Alcinoe, who left her family to be with him
  • Xanthus, son of Erymanthus and father of Psophis
  • Xanthus, husband of Herippe
  • Xanthus, one of the four sons of Tremiles and Praxidike
• Equine
  • Xanthus, one of Achilles' two horses; see Balius and Xanthus
  • Xanthus, one of Hector's horses
  • Xanthus, one of the Mares of Diomedes