EUROTAS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
In Greek mythology, Eurotas was an early king of Laconia, the region of Ancient Greece more often referred to as Sparta.
Eurotas King of Laconia
Eurotas is generally considered to be the son of King Myles of Laconia, and thus grandson of the first king of Laconia, Lelex. Some though, say that Eurotas was actually a brother of Myles, and thus a son of Lelex and his wife, Cleochareia.
Eurotas would succeed Myles as King of Laconia.
Eurotas would succeed Myles as King of Laconia.
Eurotas the Potamoi
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Some refer to Eurotas as a river god, a Potamoi, and indeed the main river of Laconia is named the Eurotas. According to Greek mythology, the Potamoi were the 3000 sons of Oceanus and Tethys, whilst such parentage is not given to Eurotas.
Nevertheless, the River Eurotas is said to be named for the king, but an explanation is given that the Eurotas was not a natural river, but a canal, made by the king to drain the swamps and marshlands of Laconia. |
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Statue of Eurotas - vaggelis vlahos - BB-by-3.0
Eurotas Father of Sparta
Eurotas would wed a woman named Clete (potentially one of the Charites), and Clete would bear the King of Laconia two daughters, Sparta and Tiasa.
Eurotas would give his daughter Sparta in marriage to Lacedaemon, the son of Zeus; and as Eurotas had no sons, it was Lacedaemon who succeeded Eurotas as King of Laconia.
The kingdom was subsequently renamed Lacedaemon, although it was also known as Sparta, after Eurotas’ daughter.
Eurotas would give his daughter Sparta in marriage to Lacedaemon, the son of Zeus; and as Eurotas had no sons, it was Lacedaemon who succeeded Eurotas as King of Laconia.
The kingdom was subsequently renamed Lacedaemon, although it was also known as Sparta, after Eurotas’ daughter.
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Colin Quartermain - Eurotas - 7th December 2019