Achelous
godAchelous was the god of the mightiest river in Greece and father of the Sirens — he wrestled Heracles for the right to marry Deianira.
The Myth
Achelous was the most powerful river god, honoured as the father of all freshwater. He could shape-shift into a bull, a serpent, and a man with a bull's face. When he and Heracles competed for Deianira, Achelous fought in bull form. Heracles broke off one of his horns, which became the Cornucopia (Horn of Plenty). He was the father of the Sirens by one of the Muses.
Children
The Sirens, Callirhoe, the springs of Pirene
Symbols
Fun Fact
The broken horn of Achelous became the Cornucopia — the Horn of Plenty that appears at every Thanksgiving.
Explore Further
Hera
godQueen of the Olympian gods and goddess of marriage. Known for her jealous rages against Zeus's...
Heracles
heroThe greatest hero of Greek mythology, son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene. Famous for his...
Muses
conceptNine sister goddesses who inspired all forms of art, literature, and knowledge. Every poet,...
Oceanus
titanThe great Titan who personified the vast river believed to encircle the entire world. Father of all...
Sirens
creatureDangerous creatures whose irresistible singing lured sailors to shipwreck on the rocky coast of...
Tethys
titanTethys was the Titaness of fresh water — the great nurse of all life, whose thousands of river and...