Periboia

Periboia is the feminine form of the Greek name Περίβοια (Periboia), derived from περί (peri) meaning "around, exceedingly" and βοῦς (bous) meaning "ox, cow." The name thus means "surrounded by cattle" and is attested in Greek mythology for several minor figures.

Mythological Figures Named Periboea

The most notable Periboea is the mother of Ajax the Great (Ajax Telamonian). According to legend, Periboea was the daughter of King Cychreus of Salamis or of King Alcathous of Megara. After being seduced by Telamon, she was ordered cast into the sea by her father, but was sold into slavery and eventually reunited with Telamon, becoming the mother of the hero Ajax. Another Periboea is one of the 3,000 Oceanids, daughters of Oceanus and Tethys, who was the mother of Aura by Lelantos. A third Periboea is the daughter of the Giant Eurymedon, mother of Nausithous with Poseidon.

Cultural and Linguistic Context

The name Periboea reflects a common Greek naming pattern, using elements from compound words such as peri- (around) and bou (cow), typical of names referencing livestock or agriculture. The name is rare in modern usage but appears in classical literature, notably in the works of Homer and Apollodorus, where the various figures are mentioned in genealogies and myths.

Notable Bearers

• Periboea (Oceanid) — a nymph, mother of Aura.
• Periboea (daughter of Eurymedon) — mother of Nausithous by Poseidon.
• Periboea (mother of Ajax) — wife of Telamon, mother of the Greek hero Ajax.

Related Forms

An alternative spelling attested in Latin and later English literature is Periboea.