A Thracian bard mentioned by Homer (Iliad, ii. 595). He challenged the Muses to a trial of skill, and, being overcome in the contest, was deprived by them of his sight and power of song. He is represented with a broken lyre in his hand.
“Blind Thamyris and blind Mæonʹidēs [Homer],
And Tiresias and Phineus, prophets old.”
⁂ “Tiresias” pronounce Tiʹ-re-sas, “Phineus” pronounce Fiʹnuce.