STHENELUS PERSEUS (son of Perseus)
Figure of myth · son of Perseus
- Parents
- Perseus, Andromeda
- Siblings
- Electryon, Gorgophone, Perses, Erythras, Alcaeus, Mestor
- Consorts
- Nicippe, Antibia
- Children
- Eurystheus, Alcyone, Iphis, Medusa, Astymedusa
- Haunts and cult places
- Argos
- In the sources
- 12 ancient passages
Sthenelus, son of Perseus and Andromeda, was born in Mycenae and traced his lineage back to Zeus.1,2 A member of the prestigious Anaxagoridae family, he held the strongest claim to the throne of Argos, which he took over from his father.3,4 While he resided in Achaean Argos, his rule extended to the city of Mycenae.1,4
He had children with Nicippe, daughter of Pelops, and was also united with Antibia.2 His offspring included his son Eurystheus, as well as daughters named Alcyone, Iphis, Medusa, and Astymedusa.2 Eurystheus was born as a seven-month child because Hera intervened while his mother was in her seventh month of pregnancy.2,1
Sthenelus used the accidental death of Electryon as an excuse to exile Amphitryon.5 He took control of the thrones of Mycenae and Tiryns, entrusting the region of Midea to Atreus and Thyestes.5 He was succeeded as king by Eurystheus, who reigned over the city of Mycenae.4,2
Sthenelus fought together with the two Atridae in their own cause.6 He was among the leaders who captured the city of Thebes.7 His eager valour surpassed his father's fame.6
Sthenelus helped slaughter the sleeping sentinels of Troy.8 He climbed down a rope to exit the wooden horse and emerged from its dark interior.8 Heracles took Sthenelus aboard his ship after raising the siege of Paros.9
The codex facts behind this entry
In the myths
Sthenelus's son Eurystheus was born as a seven-month child because Hera intervened while his wife was in her seventh month of pregnancy. Apollodorus 2.4.5 +1
