Amyclas
Legendary king of Sparta and founder of the ancient city of Amyclae near Sparta
The Legend of Amyclas
Amyclas was a king of Laconia, son of Lacedaemon and Sparta, and one of the earliest rulers in the Spartan royal lineage. He founded the city of Amyclae, which became one of the most important religious centres in Laconia, home to the famous throne of Apollo at Amyclae. Amyclas fathered several children, including Hyacinthus, the beautiful youth beloved by Apollo. When Hyacinthus was accidentally killed by a discus thrown by Apollo, the grief-stricken god created the hyacinth flower from the boy's blood. The city Amyclas founded remained sacred to Apollo for centuries, and the annual festival of the Hyacinthia held there became one of the most important Spartan religious celebrations, lasting three days and honouring both the dead prince and the god who loved him.
Parents
Lacedaemon and Sparta
Children
Hyacinthus, Cynortas
Symbols
Fun Fact
The city Amyclas founded became the site of the Hyacinthia, one of Sparta's three most important annual festivals
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth. See our full guide to English words from Greek mythology.
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