CREUSA OF CORINTH IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Creusa was a relatively common name amongst figures of Greek mythology; one of these female figures was Creusa, a princess of Corinth.
Creusa Daughter of CreonCreusa, who was also known as Glauce, was the daughter of King Creon of Corinth, by mother unnamed in surviving sources.
King Creon was known for welcoming Jason and Medea to Corinth, after the pair had been exiled from Iolcus by the newly crowned Acastus. |
|
For a number of years Jason and Medea resided in Corinth, but Jason was taken by the beauty of Creusa, and so Jason sought to divorce Medea, and Creon would look favourably upon the hero Jason marrying his daughter.
Of course no one seems to have thought through the consequences of slighting a powerful sorceress, and Medea of course would have her revenge.
Of course no one seems to have thought through the consequences of slighting a powerful sorceress, and Medea of course would have her revenge.
The Death Of Creusa
Medea crafted a robe imbued with some deadly magic. Medea arranged for Creusa to receive the robe. Creusa would of course put on the beautiful looking robe, but as soon as she did, the robe burst into flames, engulfing Creusa in fire.
Seeing his daughter on fire, King Creon sought to remove the robe, but as soon as he touched it, he too was engulfed in flames.
Thus both Creusa and Creon were killed through the retribution of Medea.
An alternative version of the robe sees it doused with poison, and in the same manner as the Shirt of Nessus, the wearer was poisoned. Creusa recognising that there was now poison flowing through her blood, threw herself into a well, seeking to cleanse herself. This though failed to work, and Creusa died, poisoning the well water as well.
Hyginius suggests that instead of a robe, the poisonous item was in fact a crown, which Creusa when she placed it upon her head.
Seeing his daughter on fire, King Creon sought to remove the robe, but as soon as he touched it, he too was engulfed in flames.
Thus both Creusa and Creon were killed through the retribution of Medea.
An alternative version of the robe sees it doused with poison, and in the same manner as the Shirt of Nessus, the wearer was poisoned. Creusa recognising that there was now poison flowing through her blood, threw herself into a well, seeking to cleanse herself. This though failed to work, and Creusa died, poisoning the well water as well.
Hyginius suggests that instead of a robe, the poisonous item was in fact a crown, which Creusa when she placed it upon her head.
|
|
Colin Quartermain - Creusa of Corinth - 24th August 2025