BUSIRIS (king of Egypt)
Figure of myth · king of Egypt in Greek mythology
- Parents
- Poseidon, Anippe, Lysianassa
- Children
- Amphidamas
- In the sources
- 20 ancient passages
Busiris, son of Poseidon and Lysianassa, ruled Egypt during the time of Heracles' journey.1,2 He was a king not worthy of praise.3 Anippe is also listed among his parents, and he sired the son Amphidamas.
Busiris had a custom of executing foreign visitors to his country by sacrificing them on an altar of Zeus following an oracle's command.1,2 He began this sacrificial practice by killing the seer Phrasius.1 Busiris maintained bloody shrines and altars where he performed his killings and was slain.4,5 He sacrificed innocent strangers on these altars.4 His worship was associated with merciless altars.6
Busiris sent pirates by sea to seize the Hesperides and deliver them to him.7 Heracles was captured by Busiris and taken to the altars for sacrifice.1 Heracles subdued and sacrificed Busiris as punishment for offering violence.8,9 He killed Busiris in Egypt as punishment for his actions.1,2 Heracles also slew Busiris' son Amphidamas.1
The city of Busiris is located in the Busirite Nome.10 The feast of Isis is kept at the location associated with Busiris.11 Men and women lament in large numbers after the sacrifice during the feast.11 The reputation of the Busirite Nome for inhospitality stems from fabulous stories about Busiris.10
The codex facts behind this entry
Busiris was the king of Egypt during the time of Heracles' journey. Apollodorus 2.5.11 +2
In the myths
Heracles subdued and sacrificed Busiris as punishment for offering violence. Ovid Met. 9.101-272 (5) +3 Busiris had a custom of executing foreign visitors to his country by sacrificing them on an altar of Zeus following an oracle's command. Apollodorus 2.5.11 +2
Fate
Heracles killed Busiris in Egypt as punishment for his actions. Apollodorus 2.5.11 +2
