InGreek mythology,Palioxis[pronunciation?] (Ancient Greek: Παλίωξις) was the personification of backrush, flight andretreat in battle (as opposed toProioxis). She and her sister Proioxis (Onrush) presided over the surge of battle. Palioxis was probably numbered amongst theMakhai,daimones of the battlefield.
In the epic poem theShield of Heracles, attributed toHesiod, Palioxis was one of the many figures, depicted onHeracles' shield:[1]
In his hands he (Herakles) took his shield, all glittering : no one ever broke it with a blow or crushed it. And a wonder it was to see . . . In the centre wasPhobos (Fear) worked in adamant, unspeakable, staring backwards with eyes that glowed with fire. His mouth was full of teeth in a white row, fearful and daunting, and upon his grim brow hovered frightfulEris (Battle-Strife) who arrays the throng of men: pitiless she, for she took away the mind and senses of poor wretches who made war against the son ofZeus . . . Upon the shield Proioxis (Pursuit) and Palioxis (Flight) were wrought, andHomados (Tumult), and Phobos (Panic), andAndroktasia (Slaughter). Eris (Battle-Strife) also, andKydoimos (Confusion) were hurrying about, and deadlyKer (Fate) was there holding one man newly wounded. . .[2]
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