Busiris
Egyptian king who sacrificed strangers to Zeus until Heracles broke free and killed him
The Legend of Busiris
Busiris was a mythical king of Egypt, son of Poseidon and Lysianassa. When Egypt was struck by a nine-year famine, a Cypriot seer named Phrasius prophesied that the drought would end only if Busiris sacrificed a foreigner to Zeus each year. Busiris promptly killed Phrasius as the first sacrifice and continued the practice with every stranger who entered his kingdom. When Heracles arrived during his wanderings, Busiris seized him and dragged him to the altar. As the priests prepared to sacrifice him, Heracles burst free of his bonds and killed Busiris, his son Amphidamas, and all the attendants. The story was extremely popular in Greek comedy and vase painting as a demonstration of Heracles' invincibility.
Parents
Poseidon and Lysianassa
Children
Amphidamas
Symbols
Fun Fact
Greek vase painters loved depicting the moment Heracles broke free, scattering terrified Egyptian priests in every direction
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