CROTOPUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
In Greek mythology, Crotopus was an early King of Argos, a direct descendant of Argus, after whom Argos was named.
King Crotopus of Argos
Crotopus was the son of Agenor, and thus grandson of Triopas, a named king of Argos. The mother of Crotopus is not recorded in surviving sources.
Crotopus would become King of Argos after Iasus, who was potentially an uncle of Crotopus. Some tell of Crotopus’ reign lasting for 21 years.
Crotopus would become King of Argos after Iasus, who was potentially an uncle of Crotopus. Some tell of Crotopus’ reign lasting for 21 years.
Crotopus and Psamathe
Crotopus would become father to two children, by mother or mothers unnamed. Crotopus’ children was a son named called Sthenelas, and a daughter named Psamathe; with Psamathe being the more famous of the two.
Crotopus’ daughter was a renowned beauty, and this news reached the ears of the god Apollo. Apollo came to Argos and slept with Psamathe; as a result, Psamathe became pregnant with Apollo’s son, Linus. Psamathe would hide the fact she was pregnant from Crotopus, fearing what his reaction would be, and so, when Linus was born, Psamathe would leave him exposed upon a mountainside. As with many such tales, Linus did not die, and was saved by a shepherd. For a brief time Linus stayed with the shepherd’s family, but then the baby was torn to pieces by a pack of sheepdogs. News of Linus’ death reached Psamathe, and such was her grief, that it became noticeable to Crotopus. Crotopus would not believe that his daughter had slept with a god, believing instead that the pregnancy was a result of an unsuitable liaison. Crotopus would thus condemn his own daughter to death, an order which was subsequently carried out. |
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Crotopus and Argos
When Apollo found out that his lover and son were dead, the Olympian god sent forth a monster, Poine, to enact revenge upon Argos. Poine would thus take young children from their homes and kill them. Eventually Poine was killed by the hero Coroebus.
Apollo’s thirst for vengeance was not yet quenched, for now Apollo sent down a plague upon Argos.
Crotopus then consulted an oracle to find out what must be done to rid his kingdom of the plague, and firstly the king was advised to venerate his dead daughter and grandson. Thus, Crotopus initiated a new festival.
The plague though remained, and when the Oracle was consulted for a second time, Crotopus discovered that he would have to leave Argos. This the king did, and leaving Argos, Crotopus travelled towards Megara, and near that polis, Crotopus founded a new city, Tripodiscium.
Rule of Argos passed to Gelanor, son of Crotopus’ son, Sthenelas. Gelanor though, was the last of the family to rule in Argos, for in the time of Crotopus’ grandson, came Danaus and his daughters.
Apollo’s thirst for vengeance was not yet quenched, for now Apollo sent down a plague upon Argos.
Crotopus then consulted an oracle to find out what must be done to rid his kingdom of the plague, and firstly the king was advised to venerate his dead daughter and grandson. Thus, Crotopus initiated a new festival.
The plague though remained, and when the Oracle was consulted for a second time, Crotopus discovered that he would have to leave Argos. This the king did, and leaving Argos, Crotopus travelled towards Megara, and near that polis, Crotopus founded a new city, Tripodiscium.
Rule of Argos passed to Gelanor, son of Crotopus’ son, Sthenelas. Gelanor though, was the last of the family to rule in Argos, for in the time of Crotopus’ grandson, came Danaus and his daughters.
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Colin Quartermain - Crotopus - 18th March 2024