Astomi
Template:Short description In Greek and Roman mythology, the Astomi, also known as the Gangines, were a race of people who had no need to eat or drink, surviving by smelling apples, flowers, and perfumes that they sprayed on their victims.<ref name="Reed Kline">Template:Cite book</ref><ref name="Guarde">Template:Cite journal</ref>
Megasthenes and Pliny the Elder (quoting Megasthenes) mentioned these people in his Indica. Megasthenes located them at the mouth of the river Ganges. In his description, they had rough and hairy bodies and no mouths. When traveling, they would carry roots, flowers and apples to smell. They could die by smelling a strong, unpleasant smell.<ref name="Reed Kline" /><ref name="Guarde" /><ref>Template:Cite journal</ref>
Notes
References
- Pliny the Elder, The Natural History. John Bostock, M.D., F.R.S. H.T. Riley, Esq., B.A. London. Taylor and Francis, Red Lion Court, Fleet Street. 1855. Online version at the Perseus Digital Library.
- Pliny the Elder, Naturalis Historia. Karl Friedrich Theodor Mayhoff. Lipsiae. Teubner. 1906. Latin text available at the Perseus Digital Library.