(Tropæolum peregrinum).
Trophonius, in Greek legend, was the most skilful architect of his day, and was the son of Erginus, king of Orchomenus, or of Apollo. Along with his brother, Agamedes, he built the temple of Delphi and the treasury of King Hyrieus in Bœotia, which the two are said afterwards to have plundered. After his death he was worshipped as a hero, and had a celebrated oracle at Lebadeia (Livadia) in Bœotia. The votary who wished to enter the 'Cave of Trophonius,' in order to consult the oracle, after preparing himself for several days previously by purification and sacrifice, lay prone on his back, and put his feet into the cave, when he was caught by some unseen force, and violently pulled inside. Don Quixote, it will be remembered, once thought himself to have got there.