[10] In the military conflict with the Mysian king Telephus, which occurred on the way to Troy (during the first unsuccessful attempt to reach the city), Nireus killed Telephus' wife Hiera, who fought from a chariot "like an Amazon".
[11] Another story of Nireus, who was "the most beautiful man who came beneath Ilion" (Iliad, 2.673), is the one of his love for Heracles.
[12] Nireus did not excel in physical strength[13] and was eventually killed by either Eurypylus, son of Telephus,[14][15] or Aeneas.
[17] However, according to the version recounted by John Tzetzes, Nireus survived the war and, together with Thoas, having been caught in the storm that scattered the Greek ships, landed first in Libya and then sailed off to Argyrinoi and the Ceraunian Mountains, where they settled near Mount Lakmynion and River Aias.
[18] In a rare version of the myth, Nireus was loved by Heracles and he helped the latter to beat down the lion of Helicon.