Ideology > Electryon

Electryon

Background

Electryon is a figure in Greek mythology known primarily for his role in the genealogy of the famous hero Heracles (Hercules). Here are some key aspects of Electryon's story:

Lineage and Family

1. Parentage: Electryon was the son of Perseus and Andromeda. Perseus is one of the most celebrated heroes in Greek mythology, known for slaying Medusa and rescuing Andromeda from a sea monster.

2. Siblings: Electryon had several notable siblings, including Alcaeus, Sthenelus, and Gorgophone. These siblings were part of the royal family of Mycenae and Tiryns.

3. Marriage and Children: Electryon married Anaxo, who was his niece, the daughter of Alcaeus. They had several children, with their most notable offspring being Alcmena, the mother of Heracles.

Reign and Conflicts

1. King of Mycenae: Electryon became the king of Mycenae after the death of his father, Perseus. His reign was marked by conflicts with neighboring tribes and issues related to succession and power.

2. Conflict with the Taphians: Electryon's sons (except Licymnius) were killed in a conflict with the Taphians and Teleboans, tribes from the islands off the coast of Greece. This conflict arose over cattle theft, a common cause of disputes in ancient Greek myths.

Death and Legacy

1. Accidental Death: According to one version of the myth, Electryon was accidentally killed by his son-in-law, Amphitryon. Amphitryon threw a club at some cattle, intending to drive them off, but the club bounced back and struck Electryon, killing him.

2. Succession: After Electryon's death, Amphitryon became the ruler of Mycenae. He married Electryon's daughter, Alcmena, who later became the mother of Heracles by Zeus.

Connection to Heracles

1. Grandfather of Heracles: Electryon's most significant legacy is his connection to Heracles. Through his daughter Alcmena, Electryon became the grandfather of Heracles, one of the greatest heroes in Greek mythology.

2. Divine Lineage: The divine and heroic lineage of Electryon, through Perseus and Heracles, underscores the importance of his family in Greek mythological narratives. This lineage highlights the continuation of heroic qualities and divine favor through generations.

Summary

Electryon, the son of Perseus and Andromeda, was a king of Mycenae and a significant figure in Greek mythology due to his connection to the hero Heracles. His reign was marked by conflicts with neighboring tribes, and his accidental death led to his son-in-law, Amphitryon, taking over the throne. Electryon's most enduring legacy is his role in the lineage of Heracles, connecting him to the broader narrative of divine and heroic figures in Greek mythology.

Sources

Apollodorus 2.4.5. Apollodorus, The Library, with an English Translation by Sir James George Frazer, F.B.A., F.R.S. in 2 Volumes. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1921.

Pausanias 2.25.9. Pausanias Description of Greece with an English Translation by W.H.S. Jones, Litt.D., and H.A. Ormerod, M.A., in 4 Volumes. Cambridge, MA, Harvard University Press; London, William Heinemann Ltd. 1918.

Smith, William; Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology, London (1873). "Ele'ctryon" , Amphi'tryon

Greek Ideology