KING ABAS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
King Abas of Argos was one of the kings of Ancient Greece named in Greek mythological sources, and in such tales is famed as the great-grandfather of the hero Perseus.
Abas Son of Lynceus
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Commonly Abas is named as the 12th King of Argos, although there are some differences in opinion on how many Kings of Argos there were in the mythological period.
Abas though is named as the son of Lynceus and Hypermnestra. Lynceus was the only one of Aegyptus’s sons who survived their wedding night with the fifty daughters of Danaus; for Hypermnestra had refused to kill her husband as her father had demanded, when Lynceus had agreed to keep his wife’s virtue intact. |
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After some reconciliation Lynceus would succeed his father-in-law, Danaus, as King of Argos; and it was said that it was Abas who brought the news of Danaus’s death, and the succession of the throne to his father.
Lynceus rewarded his messenger son with the sacred shield of Danaus, a shield which was dedicated to the goddess Hera.
Lynceus rewarded his messenger son with the sacred shield of Danaus, a shield which was dedicated to the goddess Hera.
King Abas of Argos
Abas would marry the daughter of the impious Mantineus, son of Lycaon; with Abas’ wife named as either Aglaea or Ocalea.
Abas would thus become father to twin sons, Acrisius and Proetus; sons famed for their lifelong antagonism. Abas was also said by some to have fathered a daughter, Idomene, and an illegitimate son, Lycrus
Male descendants of Abas, Perseus included, were known as Abantiades, and female descendants were named Abantias.
One estimate of the rule of Abas, says that the son of Lynceus was on the throne of Argos for 23 years. The throne of Argos would subsequently pass to one of the sons of Abas, either Proetus or Acrisius, with the order of succession varying depending upon the source being read.
Abas would thus become father to twin sons, Acrisius and Proetus; sons famed for their lifelong antagonism. Abas was also said by some to have fathered a daughter, Idomene, and an illegitimate son, Lycrus
Male descendants of Abas, Perseus included, were known as Abantiades, and female descendants were named Abantias.
One estimate of the rule of Abas, says that the son of Lynceus was on the throne of Argos for 23 years. The throne of Argos would subsequently pass to one of the sons of Abas, either Proetus or Acrisius, with the order of succession varying depending upon the source being read.
The Shield of AbasAbas was known as a great warrior, expanding the territory of Argos through conquest; helped in no small part as his shield, blessed by Hera was impervious to mortal weapons. Abas was named as the founder of the town of Abae, the ancient town of north-east Phocis, and also Pelasgian Argos, a town of Thessaly near to Larisa.
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The reputation of Abas as a conqueror was such, that even after his death if Abas’ shield was brought forth, the enemies of Argos would withdraw.
The shield of Abas was generations later, said to be in the possession of Aeneas, as he travelled from the ruins of Troy to Italy.
The shield of Abas was generations later, said to be in the possession of Aeneas, as he travelled from the ruins of Troy to Italy.
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Colin Quartermain - Abas - 4th February 2024