Neleus

Neleus (Νηλεύς) was the son of Tyro and Poseidon, and the twin brother of Pelias. When Pelias drove him from Iolcus, Neleus migrated south, where he was warmly welcomed by his cousin Aphareus.

Neleus received most of the coastal land in Messenia from his cousin Aphareus, and drove Pylas out from the city of Pylus. Neleus ruled Pylus, and later all of Messenia, when his cousin died. He had many sons (most sources said twelve, but Homer knew of only three) and a daughter, Pero.

Pero had many suitors. Among of them was Bias, his nephew and a brother of Melampus (Melampous). These two brothers, who were also Aeolids, were the sons of his half-brother Amythaon and Idomene. Neleus told his daughter's suitors that the man who managed to steal the cattle of Phylacus, king of Phylace, would be able to marry his daughter.

Melampus, who was a famous seer, helped his brother win Pero's hand by obtaining the cattle of Phylacus, by curing the Phylacus' son Iphiclus (Ἴφικλος) of impotence. Bias married Pero and she bore Bias a son named Talaüs (Talaus).

After Pero's death, Melampus and Bias left for Argos. Again, Melampus used his power as a seer to gain a share of the ruling of the kingdom with Proëtus.

When Neleus refused to purify Heracles for the murder of Iphitus, Heracles later captured Pylus and killed him, as well as all but his youngest son, Nestor. Nestor succeeded his father to the throne of Messene.