In Greek mythology, Philomelus, Philomelos, Philomenus or Philomenos (; Greek: Φιλόμηλος, romanized: Philómêlos; ; Greek: Φιλόμηλος, romanized: Philómēnos) was a demigod and inventor of the wagon that became Ursa Major. His name means 'friend of ease' from philos and mêlos.
Family Philomelus was the son of Demeter and Iasion, and the brother of Plutus. His son Parias gave his name to the Parians and the city of Parion (a town in Mysia on the Hellespont).
Mythology Plutus was very wealthy, but would share none of his riches with his brother. Out of necessity, Philomelus bought two oxen, invented the wagon, and supported himself by ploughing his fields and cultivating crops. His mother, admiring him for this, put him in the heavens as the constellation Boötes.
Notes
References
External links William Smith, ed. (1870). "Philomelus" . Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology. "BOOTES - Greek Demi-God of the Plough & Wagon". www.theoi.com.