SMINTHEUS

a surname of Apollo, which is which is derived by some from sminthos, a mouse, and by others from the town of Sminthe in Troas Fasti by Ovid, Metamorphoses XII). The mouse was regarded by the ancients as inspired by the vapours arising from the earth, and as the symbol of prophetic power.

In the temple of Apollo at Chryse there was a statue of the god by Scopas, with a mouse under its foot and on coins Apollo is represented carrying a mouse in his hands.

Temples of Apollo Smintheus and festivals (Smintheia) existed in several parts of Greece, as at Tenedos, near Hamaxitos in Aeolis, near Parion, at Lindos in Rhodes, near Coressa, and in other places.