LYCUS (ruler of Thebes)
Figure of myth · Greek mythical character, son of Lycus the brother of Nycteus
Before his rule in Thebes, Lycus traveled to the land of the Termilae to join Sarpedon, who admitted him to a share in the government. [f: 8]5,6 As king of the Mariandynians, he received the Argonauts with kindness and listened to Jason's story with great delight. [f: 26, 35]7,8 During their stay, the heroes prepared a feast in his palace, and Lycus helped slaughter countless sheep at the tomb of a hero. [f: 34, 59]8,9 He sent his son away from his home with the visitors, and the Mariandyni formed an alliance with the heroes after they killed Amycus. [f: 30, 32]10,8
Lycus seized control of Thebes after the city was weakened by internal dissension, having killed Creon, the previous king and father of the woman he now controlled. [f: 36, 2]3,1 He was married to Dirce, who worshipped Dionysus more than any other god, but she was later killed by Antiope's children.11,12 This event angered Dionysus against Antiope, while Lycus continued to oppress Thebes and assert that the dead no longer rule the land. [f: 7, 67, 54]11,12,13,4
The conflict with Heracles was marked by Lycus insulting the hero for killing beasts rather than fighting in human combat. [f: 46]1 Fearful that the children of Heracles would grow up to seek vengeance, Lycus prepared to exterminate them to settle a blood feud. [f: 47, 48]1,3 He ordered his servants to gather oak logs from Helicon and Parnassus, intending to burn the children alive in the fire. [f: 10, 11]4,14 Lycus also intended to kill Amphitryon, Megara, and her children, demanding that Amphitryon bring out the family to be killed. [f: 12, 42]15,16,17 He persecuted Amphitryon and insulted him over his son's loss, blaspheming the gods by claiming they were weaklings. [f: 43, 57]17
He commanded the wood to be piled around an altar and set on fire, stating he would consign the group to the underworld. [f: 55, 52]4,18 Lycus died as a result of Heracles' avenging actions.13,19
The codex facts behind this entry
Lycus was the son of Pandion. Herodotus 1.173.3 +6 Lycus claims to be the current king of the land. Euripides, Heracles 170-358 part 2 +1
In the myths
Lycus killed Creon, the previous king of Thebes and the father of the woman he now controls. Euripides, Heracles 1-59 +3 Lycus's wife Dirce was killed by Antiope's children, a fate that angered Dionysus against Antiope. Pausanias 9.17.6 +1 Lycus traveled to the land of the Termilae to join Sarpedon, who admitted him to a share in the government. Herodotus 1.173.3 +1 Lycus seized control of the scepter in the land where Heracles lived. Euripides, Heracles 1016ff part 3 +1 Lycus orders servants to gather oak logs from Helicon and Parnassus. Euripides, Heracles 170-358 part 2 +1 Lycus intends to burn the children of Heracles alive in the fire. Euripides, Heracles 170-358 part 2 +1 Lycus intended to kill Amphitryon, Megara, and her children. Euripides, Heracles 442-654 part 2 +1
Fate
Lycus died as a result of Heracles' avenging actions. Seneca, Hercules Furens act 2 ¶3 +1
