PROCRUSTES (son of Poseidon in Greek mythology)
Figure of myth · son of Poseidon in Greek mythology
- Parents
- Poseidon
- Consorts
- Sylea
- Children
- Sinis
- Haunts and cult places
- Attica
- In the sources
- 11 ancient passages
Procrustes, son of Poseidon, stood as a dire figure comparable to a dweller on rough crags, residing beside a road in the region of Attica.1,2 Known by the alternative names Damastes and Polypemon, he practiced a grim form of hospitality toward passers-by.3,4,2 His name derived from the Greek word for stretching his victims' legs, a grim reflection of his methods.5
Procrustes owned two beds, one small and one large, which he used to force strangers to fit their bodies to his will.2,5,4 He cut off the limbs of tall travelers that extended beyond the small bed or stretched the legs of those who were too short.2,5,4 He dwelt in a location called Corydallus within the region of Attica.5
Theseus killed Procrustes on the banks of the river Cephisus at Eleusis as part of his series of heroic labors.2,6,5,4 The slayer defeated the host by making him fit his own bed, using the same method Procrustes had employed on others.4,5 The death of Polypemon is also placed near the Cephisus river at Eleusis, while other records mark the spot as Erineus.3,4
The codex facts behind this entry
Procrustes was also known by the alternative names Damastes and Polypemon. Pausanias 1.38.5 +1
In the myths
Procrustes was killed by Theseus on the banks of the river Cephisus at Eleusis. Apollodorus, Epitome 1.4 +2 Procrustes forced strangers to fit their bodies to his bed by cutting off body parts that were too long or stretching the legs of those who were too short. Diodorus 4.59 +1
Fate
Theseus killed Procrustes by making him fit his own bed as part of his series of heroic labors. Diodorus 4.59 +1
