Misenus
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In Greek mythology, there were two people called Misenus.
- A friend of Odysseus
- A character in Virgil's epic poem the Aeneid. He was a companion of Hector and, after his death, Aeneas' trumpeter. He challenged the gods to a musical contest, and for his impudence was drowned by Triton. Aeneas was later told by the Sibyl of Cumae that Misenus' body had to be buried before he can enter the Underworld. The passage detailing the funereal rites gives a valuable insight into Roman burial customs, and the importance the Romans placed on respect for the dead. Cape Misenum, near Cumae, is supposedly named for Misenus.
