ERECHTHEUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Erechtheus was a mythological king of the tales of Greek mythology. Erechtheus was an early king of Athens, who was most famous for his war with Eleusis.
King Erechtheus of AthensCommonly, it is said that Erechtheus was son of King Pandion I of Athens; born to Pandion’s wife, the naiad nymph, Zeuxippe. Erechtheus was thus brother to Butes, Philomela, Procne and potentially Teuthras.
Erechtheus would inherit the throne of Athens from his father, Pandion. Importantly, it was said that at the same time, that Butes inherited the role of religious leader of the city, becoming priest of Athena and Poseidon. Erechtheus would marry an Athenian princess called Praxithea. Erechtheus would thereafter become king to a number of children. The most common named being sons Cecrops, Pandorus and Metion. The daughters of Erechtheus included, Chthonia, Creusa, Orithyia, Pandora, Procris and Protogeneia. Other sources also name Eupalamus, Merope, Orneus, Sicyon and Thespius has the offspring of Erechtheus. Some sources suggest that the grandfather of Erechtheus, father of Pandion, was also called Erechtheus, but more commonly he was named as Erichthonius. Some tell of Erechtheus joining the forces of Dionysus during the god’s war against the Indians. |
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Erechtheus’ War with Eleusis
The notable event of Erechtheus’ reign was the war between Eleusis and Athens; for Eumpolus, son of Poseidon, led an army to attack Athens.
As was the want of the day, an Oracle was consulted about how Erechtheus could win the war; and of course, the proclamation was one the king did not want to hear. For it was said that Athens would only prevail of one of the king’s daughter’s was sacrificed,
Some tell or Protogeneia or Pandora willingly sacrificing themselves for Athens, although others tell of it being the youngest, Chthonia, who was sacrificed. Perhaps, the other daughters of Erechtheus killed themselves when their sister died.
With sacrifice made, Erechtheus led the Athenians into battle against the Eleusinians. The words of Oracle came true, for after the sacrifice, the Athenians proved to be victorious over their enemies.
Erechtheus himself would not survive for long after the war, for the god Poseidon killed the Athenian king; the god striking Erechtheus several times with his trident, for Erechtheus had killed Poseidon’s son, Eumolpus. Or else, Zeus killed Erechtheus with his thunderbolt at the behest of Poseidon.
Erechtheus was succeeded by Cecrops, who would rule as Cecrops II. Cecrops is probably one of Erechtheus’ sons, although some call him brother to Erechtheus. Cecrops was chosen to be king by Xuthus, a son-in- law of the former king; Xuthus’ choice would see him the target of much anger from the other sons of Erechtheus.
As was the want of the day, an Oracle was consulted about how Erechtheus could win the war; and of course, the proclamation was one the king did not want to hear. For it was said that Athens would only prevail of one of the king’s daughter’s was sacrificed,
Some tell or Protogeneia or Pandora willingly sacrificing themselves for Athens, although others tell of it being the youngest, Chthonia, who was sacrificed. Perhaps, the other daughters of Erechtheus killed themselves when their sister died.
With sacrifice made, Erechtheus led the Athenians into battle against the Eleusinians. The words of Oracle came true, for after the sacrifice, the Athenians proved to be victorious over their enemies.
Erechtheus himself would not survive for long after the war, for the god Poseidon killed the Athenian king; the god striking Erechtheus several times with his trident, for Erechtheus had killed Poseidon’s son, Eumolpus. Or else, Zeus killed Erechtheus with his thunderbolt at the behest of Poseidon.
Erechtheus was succeeded by Cecrops, who would rule as Cecrops II. Cecrops is probably one of Erechtheus’ sons, although some call him brother to Erechtheus. Cecrops was chosen to be king by Xuthus, a son-in- law of the former king; Xuthus’ choice would see him the target of much anger from the other sons of Erechtheus.
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Colin Quartermain - Erechtheus - 23rd August 2025