ENDEIS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Endeis was a Queen of Aegina in Greek mythology, famous for being the mother of Peleus and Telamon.
The Nymph Endeis
Endeis and Aeacus
Endeis would marry Aeacus, son of Zeus and Aegina, who was king of the island of Aegina.
This marriage would produce two famous sons, for the Greek heroes, Telamon and Peleus were both sons of Endeis.
The common story though, though goes that Aeacus would subsequently marry the Nereid Psamathe. Psamathe then gave birth to another son for the king, a son called Phocus.
This marriage would produce two famous sons, for the Greek heroes, Telamon and Peleus were both sons of Endeis.
The common story though, though goes that Aeacus would subsequently marry the Nereid Psamathe. Psamathe then gave birth to another son for the king, a son called Phocus.
The Jealousy of Endeis
Phocus seemingly became the favourite son of Aeacus, which roused the anger of Endeis, who saw it as a slight on her, and her two sons. Telamon and Peleus were also jealous of Phocus, and so it was easy for Endeis to cajole her sons to act.
It was decided that Phocus would be killed, and a quoit thrown by Telamon struck his stepbrother on the side of the head, killing him. It was an act that might have looked like an accident, but it was also said that Peleus and Telamon hid their brother’s body, make it highly suspicious.
Aeacus would exile Telamon and Peleus from Aegina, although nothing is said about the fate of Endeis.
Perhaps therefore, Endeis had died prior to Aeacus marrying Psamathe, and had thus nothing to do with the death of Phocus.
It was decided that Phocus would be killed, and a quoit thrown by Telamon struck his stepbrother on the side of the head, killing him. It was an act that might have looked like an accident, but it was also said that Peleus and Telamon hid their brother’s body, make it highly suspicious.
Aeacus would exile Telamon and Peleus from Aegina, although nothing is said about the fate of Endeis.
Perhaps therefore, Endeis had died prior to Aeacus marrying Psamathe, and had thus nothing to do with the death of Phocus.
|
Colin Quartermain - Endeis - 18th February 2024