Rhoecus was a centaur in Greek mythology who, together with Hylaeus, attempted to rape Atalanta in the wilderness. Both centaurs were killed by Atalanta with her bow. Apollodorus records the episode in his account of Atalanta's Arcadian upbringing.
Atlas entry — Apollodorus Bibliotheca 3.9.2
I.Mythology
Atalanta, raised as a huntress and sworn to virginity, shot down Rhoecus and Hylaeus when they tried to force her.
Distinct from Rhoecus the Samian bronze-founder in Pausanias.
AT A GLANCE
Greek nameRhoikos (Ῥοῖκος)
Roman nameRhoecus
Typecreature
DomainsArcadian wilderness · centaur violence