Lapithae
➳ gén. pl. Lapĭthum Virg. En. 7, 304.
LA´PITHAE (Λαπίθαι), a mythical race in Thessaly. See Dict. of Biogr. and Myth. Vol. 2. p. 721.
(Λαπίθαι). A mythical people inhabiting the mountains of Thessaly. They were governed by Pirithoüs, who, being a son of Ixion (q.v.), was a half-brother of the Centaurs. The latter, therefore, demanded their share in their father's kingdom; and, as their claims were not satisfied, a war arose between the Lapithae and Centaurs, which, however, was terminated by a peace. But when Pirithoüs married Hippodamia, and invited the Centaurs to the marriage feast, the latter, fired by wine, and urged on by Ares, attempted to carry off the bride and the other women. Thereupon a bloody conflict ensued, in which the Centaurs were defeated by the Lapithae. The Lapithae are said to have been the inventors of bits and bridles for horses.