Diocles (mythology)
In Greek mythology, Diocles may refer to:
- Diocles of Pherae, father of the twins Orsilochus and Crethon, and also of Anticleia, the mother of Nicomachus and Gorgasus by Machaon. In the Odyssey, Telemachus and Peisistratus spent a night at his house on their way to Sparta, as well as on their way back.
- Diocles or Dioclus, king and one of the first priests of Demeter, and one of the first to learn the secrets of the Eleusinian Mysteries, along with Triptolemus and Polyxenus.
- Diocles of Megara, to where he fled from Athens. He was known for his love of boys, and was killed in a battle as he was covering his loved one with his own shield. The people of Megara buried Diocles and honored him as a hero, and held a kissing contest dedicated to him.
- Diocles, king of Megara, who was overthrown by Theseus, as a result of which Eleusis was annexed from Megara. He may be identical with #2 or #3.
