HIPPOCOON IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Hippocoon was a legendary king of Sparta in the generation before events of the Trojan War. Hippocoon was a brother of Tyndareus, but through his own actions, Hippocoon would find himself with a powerful enemy in the form of Heracles.
Hippocoon Brother of Tyndareus
Hippocoon was the son of King Oebalus, the ruler of Lacedaemon and Sparta. The mother of Hippocoon is said to have been either Batia or Gorgophone, with both women said to be mother to some or all of Oebalus’ children. Hippocoon would have a number of siblings, but amongst the most famous were Tyndareus and Icarius.
Hippocoon King of Sparta
Hippocoon would become king of Sparta and Lacedaemon upon the death of Oebalus, with some sources stating that he was the eldest son and rightful heir, whilst others claim that he usurped the rule of Tyndareus.
In either case, Hippocoon would exile Tyndareus and Icarius from Sparta.
In either case, Hippocoon would exile Tyndareus and Icarius from Sparta.
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King Hippocoon would father many sons, although a mother, or mothers of these sons are not named. Some ancient sources tell of Hippocoon having as many as 20 sons, and at least 3 of these sons of Hippocoon, Alcon, Enaesimus and Leucippus were named as hunters of the Calydonian Boar.
Hippocoon Antagonises HeraclesThe rule of Hippocoon though was a troubled one, for he soon found himself with an enemy in the form of the Greek hero Heracles.
The first cause of animosity of Heracles towards Hippocoon came about because the king of Sparta refused to cleanse Heracles for the killing of Iphitus, son of King Eurytus, during a bout of madness. King in Ancient Greece had the power to absolve crimes, and Heracles visited many kings during his life for absolution, but the refusal of Hippocoon did not sit well with Heracles. It was also said that the sons of Hippocoon had killed the one time companion of Heracles, Oeonus son of Licymnius, with cudgels, after Oeonus had killed one of their dogs in self-defence. A third reason for animosity came about when the sons of Hippocoon attempted to assist Neleus and his sons in the defence of Pylos, against the attack of Heracles; although this assistance did not save Neleus nor Pylos. |
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The Downfall of Hippocoon
After Pylos had fallen Heracles would march on Sparta and Lacedaemon gaining assistance from Cepheus and his 20 sons. The war between the army of Heracles and the Spartans was a fierce one, and although Heracles lost many of his allies, including Cepheus and 17 of his sons, Heracles would put to the sword Hippocoon and all 20 sons of the King of Sparta.
With the throne of Sparta now vacant after the death of Hippocoon, Heracles would place Tyndareus upon the throne, although some say that Heracles told Tyndareus was only holding the throne until the return of Heracles, or his descendants.
With the throne of Sparta now vacant after the death of Hippocoon, Heracles would place Tyndareus upon the throne, although some say that Heracles told Tyndareus was only holding the throne until the return of Heracles, or his descendants.
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