MAGAREUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Megareus was an ancient king of Onchestus and Nisa in Greek mythology. He is most closely associated with the city of Megara, which was later said to have been named in his honour. Renowned for his piety and bravery, Megareus appears in several myths connected to King Minos, Nisus, and the Cithaeronian lion.
Megareus: Son of Poseidon
|
In most accounts, Megareus was the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea, and Oenope, a Sicyonian princess. Ancient sources, however, offer alternative genealogies, naming Onchestus, Apollo, or Aegeus as his father.
When Onchestus is named as his father, Megareus is also said to have had a sister named Habrote. |
|
Megareus became King of Onchestus in Boeotia, a city famed for its devotion to Poseidon and the presence of important religious sanctuaries dedicated to the sea god.
Megareus and King Nisus
Megareus is most famously linked with the city later known as Megara. During his lifetime, however, the city was called Nisa and was ruled by King Nisus.
Nisa became embroiled in the conflict between Athens and Crete following the death of Androgeus, the son of King Minos of Crete. Seeking revenge, Minos marched against Athens and laid siege to Nisa. In response, Nisus called upon neighbouring rulers for assistance.
Megareus answered the call, possibly because Nisus had married his sister, Habrote. Leading a Boeotian army to aid the besieged city, Megareus arrived too late. Nisa had already fallen due to the treachery of Scylla, the daughter of Nisus, who betrayed her father to Minos.
Following the city's capture, Megareus helped rebuild the walls of Nisa and married Iphinoe, the daughter of the deceased King Nisus. Through this marriage, Megareus succeeded Nisus as ruler of Nisa.
Nisa became embroiled in the conflict between Athens and Crete following the death of Androgeus, the son of King Minos of Crete. Seeking revenge, Minos marched against Athens and laid siege to Nisa. In response, Nisus called upon neighbouring rulers for assistance.
Megareus answered the call, possibly because Nisus had married his sister, Habrote. Leading a Boeotian army to aid the besieged city, Megareus arrived too late. Nisa had already fallen due to the treachery of Scylla, the daughter of Nisus, who betrayed her father to Minos.
Following the city's capture, Megareus helped rebuild the walls of Nisa and married Iphinoe, the daughter of the deceased King Nisus. Through this marriage, Megareus succeeded Nisus as ruler of Nisa.
The Family of MegareusMegareus and Iphinoe had several children, including two sons, Timalcus and Euippus, and a daughter, Evaechme.
Some traditions also name Megareus as the father of Hippomenes by Merope. Hippomenes is best known as the hero who defeated Atalanta in a footrace with the aid of Aphrodite's golden apples. Tragedy struck Megareus' family when both of his sons died before him. Timalcus was said to have been killed by Theseus after joining the Dioscuri in their attack on Aphidna, although many versions of the myth state that Theseus was absent during the capture of the city by Castor and Pollux. Euippus met his end at the claws of the fearsome Cithaeronian lion, a beast that terrorised the region around Megara. To secure the succession, Megareus proclaimed that whoever slew the Cithaeronian lion would be rewarded with the hand of his daughter Evaechme in marriage. The hero Alcathous accomplished the feat and subsequently became Megareus' heir. |
|
The Death of Megareus and the Naming of Megara
Ancient sources differ regarding the death of Megareus. Some claim that he was killed during Minos' siege of Nisa, although this version creates difficulties with the chronology of later events. Other traditions state that Megareus died in a subsequent battle fought outside the city.
After his death, Megareus was buried within the citadel of Nisa. In his honour, the city was later renamed Megara, ensuring that his legacy would endure in both myth and place-name.
After his death, Megareus was buried within the citadel of Nisa. In his honour, the city was later renamed Megara, ensuring that his legacy would endure in both myth and place-name.
Legacy of Megareus
Although not among the most famous figures in Greek mythology, Megareus played an important role in the legendary history of Megara. His story connects several major mythological traditions, including those involving Poseidon, Minos, Nisus, Theseus, the Dioscuri, and Alcathous. Through his descendants and the city that bore his name, Megareus remained a significant figure in the mythological heritage of ancient Greece.
|
|
Colin Quartermain - Magareus - 6th June 2026