Tantalus (son of Thyestes)

Tantalus
Genealogy
Parents
SpouseClytemnestra

In Greek mythology, Tantalus (Ancient Greek: Τάνταλος Tántalos) was a prince of the south of Argolis as son of King Thyestes. He was the brother of Pleisthenes, Pelopia and Aegisthus, and - according to Hyginus - also of Menelaus and Agamemnon. An alternative genealogy makes him the son of Broteas.[1]

According to Hyginus, Tantalus and Pleisthenes were born to Thyestes and Aerope, wife of his brother Atreus. Boys's uncle/stepfather killed them both in revenge for his wife's and brother's betrayal.[2]

According to Tzeztzes and Apollodorus Tantalus lived to adulthood and became the first husband of Clytemnestra. He was slain together with their newborn child by Agamemnon who married the Spartan princess after his death,[3][4] against her will.[5]

See also

Note

  1. ^ Public Domain Smith, William, ed. (1870). "Tantalus (2)". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.
  2. ^ Hyginus, Fabulae, 244-246
  3. ^ Tzetzes, Chiliades 1.18 line 464-465
  4. ^ Apollodorus, Bibliotheke, Epitome 2.15-2.16
  5. ^ Euripides, Iphigeneia in Aulis, 1146-1147

References