What snake bit Philoctetes? A zoological commentary on the ancient Greek myth

Philoctetes, son of Poeas, was a mythical character better known as friend of Hercules and hero who participated in the Trojan War. However, on the journey to Troy, Achaeans abandoned Philoctetes in Lemnos Island because of his foul-smelling wound caused by a snakebite. This study examines the myth of Philoctetes by a herpetological perspective focusing on the snake. Based on ancient sources and modern herpetological data, the study sought to identify the snake species of the mythical incident. Considering the different versions of the myth, the terms “hydrus”, “echidna/echis”, “ophis”, “drakon/draco”, “cenchrines”, and “coluber” are explored in various ancient texts, seeking for zoological explanation. Furthermore, the study takes into account the possible locations that have been suggested as the place of the mythical incident examining the presence of relative snake species. The comparative analysis leads to the conclusion that the snake of the myth was likely a “hydrus” and specifically a Grass snake, Natrix natrix (Linnaeus, 1758). This outcome can be further supported by medical and behavioural records correlated with this species in literature. Ultimately, this study demonstrates how interdisciplinary approaches can bridge myth and science to reveal insights into cultural beliefs and the natural world.