Neleus (Ancient Greek: Νηλεύς) was the son of Poseidon and Tyro and brother of Pelias.
Tyro was married to Cretheus (with whom she had three sons, Aeson, Pheres, and Amythaon), though she loved Enipeus, a river god. She pursued Enipeus, who refused her advances.

One day, Poseidon, filled with lust for Tyro, disguised himself as Enipeus. From their union were born Pelias and Neleus, twin boys. Tyro exposed her sons on a mountain, but they were found and raised by a maid.

When they reached adulthood, Pelias and Neleus found their mother Tyro and then killed her stepmother, Sidero, for having mistreated her. Sidero tried to hide in a temple to Hera but Pelias killed her anyway, causing Hera's undying hatred of Pelias.

Neleus and Pelias fought for the crown, and Neleus was banished to Messenia, becoming King of Pylos.

Heracles later asked Neleus to cleanse him of a blood-debt, but was refused. Heracles then killed Neleus and his sons, including Alastor, but excluding Nestor.^[1]

With Chloris, Neleus was the father of Pero, Periclymenus, Alastor and Nestor.

Modern references

Neleus (or a statue of him, at least) appeared in the Mary Poppins book entitled Mary Poppins Opens the Door, by P.L. Travers, and also has a prominent role in the song "Jolly Holiday" in the stage musical of Mary Poppins.

References