LEUCIPPUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Leucippus was a king of Messenia in Greek mythology, a brother of Aphareus, and the father of Hilaira and Phoebe.
Leucippus and Aphareus
Leucippus was the son of Perieres, son of Aeolus, and Gorgophone, daughter of Perseus. Leucippus would have a number of siblings, and although most closely associated with Aphareus, the likes of Tyndareus, Icarius and Hippocoon were potentially siblings, or stepbrothers.
Leucippus and Aphareus would succeed Perieres as kings of Messenia, and Leucippus is sometimes credited with founding the city of Leuctra subsequently. |
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Children of Leucippus
Leucippus was said to be married to the Naiad nymph Philodice, and by whom, Leucippus would become father of two beautiful daughters, Hilaira and Phoebe.
Sometime another daughter of Leucippus is also named, this daughter being Arsinoe, who some claim was the mother of Asclepius. The mother of Asclepius though is more commonly named as Coronis, daughter of Phlegyas.
Sometime another daughter of Leucippus is also named, this daughter being Arsinoe, who some claim was the mother of Asclepius. The mother of Asclepius though is more commonly named as Coronis, daughter of Phlegyas.
The LeucippidesHilaira and Phoebe, collectively known as the Leucippides, were promised in marriage to their cousins, Idas and Lynceus, the sons of Aphareus.
Before the wedding ceremonies could take place though, Hilaira and Phoebe were abducted by Castor and Pollox, the princes of Sparta, who made them their brides. |
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Hilaira would then give birth to Leucippus’s grandson, by Castor, in the form of Mnesileos (also named Mnasinous), whilst Phoebe did likewise for Pollox, with a son called Anogon or Anaxis.
Messenia after Leucippus
The abduction of Leucippus’ daughters will cause Idas and Lynceus, and Castor and Pollox to fight, a battle which saw Idas, Lynceus and Castor killed. With the deaths of Idas and Lynceus, there were no male heirs of either Leucippus and Aphareus, and so Nestor, son of Neleus came to rule over Messenia.
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Colin Quartermain - Leucippus - 15th August 2021