THESPIUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Thespius was the eponymous founder of Thespiae in Greek mythology; Thespius though, is arguably more famous for being the father of fifty daughters.
Thespius Son of Erechtheus
Commonly, Thespius is named as a son of King Erechtheus of Athens, with the mother of Thespius potentially being Praxithea. It does have to be said though, that Thespius is not always named amongst the likes of Cecrops and Metion, other sons of Erechtheus.
This gives rise to some calling Thespius a son of Teuthras, who was a brother of Erechtheus.
Thespius wound go on to found the city of Thespiae, a famed city of Boeotia.
This gives rise to some calling Thespius a son of Teuthras, who was a brother of Erechtheus.
Thespius wound go on to found the city of Thespiae, a famed city of Boeotia.
The Daughters of Thespius
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Thespius would marry Megamede, daughter of Arneus, and it was normally said that Megamede became mother to fifty daughters for Thespius. Of course, others say that the fifty daughters of Thespius were born to a number of mistresses of the king, as well as his wife.
The daughters of Thespius were collectively known as the Thespiades. |
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Thespius and Heracles
Thespius it seemed had no thought of finding suitable suitors for his daughters, and instead decided that he instead wanted grandchildren sired by Heracles.
Heracles, at the time, was but eighteen years of age, but already had a reputation for strength and courage, and so Thespius invited Heracles to hunt the Lion of Cithaeron. The Lion of Cithaeron was a beast ravaging Thespius’ kingdom, although it had also been responsible for losses amongst the animals of Amphitryon; animals that Heracles had been tending.
For fifty days, Heracles stayed in Thestius’ palace, hunting the lion each day, and each night one of Thespius’ daughters would lie with Heracles.
Some say though, that Heracles slept with forty-nine of Thespius’ daughters in a single night; the fiftieth daughter choosing to remain chaste.
In either case Thespius was said to have become grandfather to fifty grandsons, these grandsons being Heraclides. Two of these Heraclides would later be found in Thebes, a further seven in Thespiae, whilst the others went with Iolaus where they built a new colony upon Sardinia.
Heracles, at the time, was but eighteen years of age, but already had a reputation for strength and courage, and so Thespius invited Heracles to hunt the Lion of Cithaeron. The Lion of Cithaeron was a beast ravaging Thespius’ kingdom, although it had also been responsible for losses amongst the animals of Amphitryon; animals that Heracles had been tending.
For fifty days, Heracles stayed in Thestius’ palace, hunting the lion each day, and each night one of Thespius’ daughters would lie with Heracles.
Some say though, that Heracles slept with forty-nine of Thespius’ daughters in a single night; the fiftieth daughter choosing to remain chaste.
In either case Thespius was said to have become grandfather to fifty grandsons, these grandsons being Heraclides. Two of these Heraclides would later be found in Thebes, a further seven in Thespiae, whilst the others went with Iolaus where they built a new colony upon Sardinia.
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Colin Quartermain - Thespius - 19th August 2025