Caeneus

Overview

Caeneus is an extraordinary Lapith hero associated with the Centauromachy and described in ancient tradition as invulnerable to ordinary weapons.

Generation

Great Heroic Age

Symbols

Lapiths, invulnerability, Centauromachy

Notes

Caeneus is one of the most unusual heroes among the Lapiths.

Ancient tradition describes Caeneus as originally born as Caenis before undergoing a transformation associated with Poseidon.

Caeneus is also granted extraordinary resistance to ordinary weapons.

During the Centauromachy the Centaurs discover that their weapons cannot kill him.

They therefore change tactics and overwhelm him beneath trees, rocks or other massive objects.

Ancient sources differ over Caeneus' final fate.

The episode is one of the clearest tactical moments in the Centauromachy because the Centaurs must abandon normal weapons and find another way to neutralise an invulnerable opponent.