Heracles Kynagidas

Heracles Kynagidas was an epithet used by Heracles in his aspect as the patron god of hunting and trapping in the Macedonian Kingdom, to whom hunting trophies were dedicated. Kynagidas meaning "He hunts with dogs" or "He leads the hunt" refers to "dog" or "hound", αγ is a verb meaning "I lead" or "I conduct" and -ίδας.
The epithet was also attributed to "Artemis Kynago" Κυναγώ, in its female form.

Inscriptional attestations

Heracles Kynagidas is attested in fourteen inscriptions of various places in Macedonia from the 4th century BC to the 2nd century AD; Artemis Kynago, attested twice. The oldest inscription comes from Beroea, where a sanctuary to Heracles Kynagidas has been discovered, as well as the longest text including names of hunters and priests of the god. In a Roman-era inscription from Styberra, it is also spelled Kounagidas. A dedicatory inscription by King Philip V in Pella has also been found. Respectively, the Attic form for huntsman is kynêgetês, Doric kynagetas and Mycenaean ku-na-ke-ta-i.

Polybius, who was interested in horse-riding and hunting, gives the following passage: