Xanthias

Xanthias refers to several characters, notably all slaves,[1] who appear in plays by the Ancient Greek playwright Aristophanes.

When they cross the Acheron, Xanthias is forced to carry the luggage around the lake because he was unable to participate in the Battle of Arginusae, allegedly due to pinkeye.

In the underworld, Xanthias is forced by Dionysus to trade attire three times, to comedic effect—when Dionysus is dressed as Heracles, he is threatened by Aeacus, the hostess, and an ornery maid, while Xanthias as Heracles is welcomed joyfully by a nice maid.

In The Knights, The Wasps, and Peace, slaves fulfill two functions: they introduce the situation at the beginning of the play and they provide comedic relief by being threatened or frightened.

Aristophanes uses their banter to blast the low level of humor used by contemporaries, referencing Phrynichus, Lykis, and Ameipsias.