GREEK MYTHOSThe Godsunder Codex
LEOS (eponymous tribal hero of Athens)
Figure of myth · eponymous tribal hero of Athens
- Children
- Praxithea, Theope, Daughters of Leos, Eubule
- In the sources
- 11 ancient passages
Leos stood among the eponymous heroes who belonged to the Athenians, giving his name to a tribe in the city following a Delphic oracle.1,2 When an oracle commanded action to ensure the safety of the state, Leos surrendered his daughters to that divine will.1
Beyond this sacrifice, Leos served the interests of Theseus by informing him of the plans of the Pallantidae.3 This act of disclosure marked him as a traitor in the eyes of the people of Pallene, who came to hate the word leo because of his perceived treachery.4 Phanias held that he was unbeatable at the game of dice.5
