Aeacus
heroAeacus was the most pious mortal of his age, whose prayers could end drought and whose justice earned him the role of judge of the dead.
The Myth
Son of Zeus and the nymph Aegina, Aeacus was so just that the gods chose him to arbitrate their disputes. When plague or drought struck Greece, only his prayers to Zeus could bring relief. He ruled the island of Aegina and, when his people were killed by plague, Zeus transformed ants into men — the Myrmidons, who became Achilles' warriors. After death, Aeacus became one of three judges of the underworld, judging the souls of Europeans.
Parents
Zeus and Aegina
Children
Peleus, Telamon
Symbols
Fun Fact
The Myrmidons — Achilles' fearsome warriors — were created from ants (myrmex), giving us "myrmidon" meaning a loyal, unquestioning follower.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
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