XUTHUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY

​Xuthus was a minor figure from Greek mythology, but was famous as being a son of Hellen, and husband of Creusa of Athens, and ancestor of two of the most famous peoples of Ancient Greece.  

​Xuthus Son of Hellen

Xuthus was the son of King Hellen of Thessaly, and the Naiad nymph Orseis; Hellen being the son of Deucalion, the man who had survived the Deluge. Xuthus was thus brother to Aeolus, Dorus, Neonus and Xenopatra

Xuthus would find himself exiled from Thessaly after the death of Hellen; Xuthus being forced to leave by Dorus and Aeolus, who would claim that Xuthus had tried to take more than his fair share of the lands of Hellen. 

​Xuthus in Athens

​Xuthus would be welcomed in Athens and in time would wed the daughter of King Erechtheus of Athens, Creusa. By Creusa, Xuthus would become father to two sons, Achaeus and Ion, as well as a daughter named Diomede. 

Although some say that Ion was actually the son of Apollo, for the god had raped Creusa in a cave. Xuthus later adopting Ion as his own, after much intrrigue at Delphi. 

​Xuthus Exiled Again

​Being the son-in-law of King Erechtheus, Xuthus’ influence in Athens steadily grew. The reign of Erechtheus though would end following a war between Athens and Eleusis, and although Athens prevailed, Erechtheus would subsequently be struck down by Poseidon.

The time now came to choose the successor for Erechtheus, and this decision was given over to Xuthus. Xuthus would choose the eldest son of Erechtheus, Cecrops, who would rule as Cecrops II. By choosing Cecrops though, Xuthus realised the animosity of Metion and Pandorus, the other sons of Erechtheus.

Xuthus was thus exiled for a second time in his life; this time Xuthus settled in  Aegialus, where some tell of becoming king. The sons of Xuthus, Achaeus and Ion, would have their own stories to tell in Greek mythology, and these sons of Xuthus would give their names to the Achaeans and Ionians. 

Contents

Colin Quartermain - Xuthus - 23rd August 2025