PROCRUSTES IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Procrustes was a bandit of Attica, who robbed those who travelled the road between Troezen and Athens. Procrustes was famously a bandit who Theseus encountered.
Procrustes Son of Poseidon
Procrustes was aid to have been a son of Poseidon. Procrustes was also known as Polypemon, although some used this as a forename or surname for the son of Poseidon.
Procrustes was father to Sinis, by Sylea, daughter of Corinth. Procrustes was said to reside in Eleusis at Erineus, near to the Cephisus. |
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Procrustes the Bandit
Procrustes had a way of dispatching his victims, for those who took him up on his hospitality, were forced to lay upon his iron bed. Those who were shorter than this bed, were struck with a smithing hammer until they fit, and of course the victim died in the process.
If Procrustes’ victim proved to be taller than the bed was long, Procrustes would cut off the legs of the victim, until they fit; and, of course, the victim died once again.
It was said by some that Procrustes was in fact in possession of two beds, so no matter what, his victim would never be the perfect fit.
If Procrustes’ victim proved to be taller than the bed was long, Procrustes would cut off the legs of the victim, until they fit; and, of course, the victim died once again.
It was said by some that Procrustes was in fact in possession of two beds, so no matter what, his victim would never be the perfect fit.
Procrustes and Theseus
Procrustes would prove to be the sixth robber or bandit faced by the young Theseus as he walked the road from Troezen to Athens. Theseus easily overcame Procrustes, and killed in a manner matching those of his victims.
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Colin Quartermain - Procrustes - 2nd March 2024