Peneus

Peneus (also spelled Pinios, Greek: Πηνειός) is the name of several rivers in Greece, most notably the longest river in Thessaly. In Greek mythology, Peneus was also the name of a Thessalian river god, son of Oceanus and Tethys.

Thessalian Peneus

This Peneus River rises in the Pindus Mountains, specifically near the village of Malakasi in the Trikala regional unit. It flows eastward through the Vale of Tempe, a narrow gorge between Mount Olympus and Mount Ossa, before emptying into the Aegean Sea, northeast of Larissa. Its length is approximately 216 kilometers (134 miles). The river is vital for agriculture in the Thessalian plain, providing irrigation water for crops. Several tributaries feed the Peneus, contributing to its flow. Major cities along its course include Trikala and Larissa.

Other Rivers Named Peneus

While the Thessalian Peneus is the most well-known, other rivers in Greece bear the same name. These include:

• A river in Elis, in the Peloponnese peninsula.
• A river in the Peloponnese, near Andritsaina.

Mythological Significance

In Greek mythology, Peneus was the river god associated with the Thessalian river. He is perhaps best known as the father of Daphne, the nymph who was transformed into a laurel tree to escape the advances of Apollo. Peneus is often depicted as an elderly man with a long beard, holding a reed or resting against an urn overflowing with water, symbolizing the river. His connection to the Vale of Tempe and the fertile plains of Thessaly made him an important figure in local mythology and religious practices.