Hippolyta
Queen of the Amazons whose magical belt was the object of Heracles' ninth labour
The Legend of Hippolyta
Hippolyta was queen of the Amazons, the legendary race of warrior women. She wore a girdle given to her by Ares, god of war, as a symbol of her authority. Heracles was sent to retrieve this belt as his ninth labour, at the request of Eurystheus' daughter Admete. When Heracles arrived, Hippolyta was impressed by his reputation and agreed to give him the girdle willingly. However, Hera disguised herself among the Amazons and spread a rumour that Heracles intended to kidnap their queen. The Amazons attacked in force, and in the ensuing battle, Heracles killed Hippolyta — believing she had betrayed him — and took the belt. In some traditions, she survived and later married Theseus instead.
Parents
Ares (or Otrera)
Children
Hippolytus (in some traditions, by Theseus)
Symbols
Fun Fact
She was willing to hand over the belt peacefully — it was Hera's meddling that turned diplomacy into bloodshed
Explore Further
Omphale
🗡 heroNone recorded
Lydian queen who owned Heracles as a slave and made him wear women's clothing
Alcmene
🗡 heroMother of Heracles
Alcmene was the mortal woman whom Zeus seduced by disguising himself as her husband — she bore Heracles, the greatest hero of Greek mythology.
Alcimede
🗡 heroMotherhood, nobility
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Aethra
🗡 heroMotherhood, Captivity, Loyalty
Princess of Troezen, mother of Theseus, who became a captive slave in Troy.
Amazons
🗡 heroNation of warrior women
The Amazons were a legendary nation of all-female warriors who lived without men, governed themselves, and fought the greatest Greek heroes as equals.
Helen of Troy
🗡 heroFace that launched a thousand ships
The most beautiful woman in the ancient world — daughter of Zeus, wife of Menelaus, whose elopement with Paris launched the Trojan War and a thousand ships.
Periboia
🗡 heroNobility, Adoption, Courage
Athenian noblewoman who joined the tribute sent to Minos and was rescued by Theseus, later marrying Ajax's father Telamon.
Anaxibia
🗡 heroMarriage, royalty
Mycenaean princess who married Strophius of Phocis and raised the young Orestes in secret
Lichas
🗡 heroNone recorded
Herald of Heracles who unwittingly delivered the poisoned robe that killed his master
Agraulos
🗡 heroNone recorded
A daughter of Cecrops, the first king of Athens, who disobeyed Athena by opening a forbidden chest and was driven to leap from the Acropolis
Alphesiboea
🗡 heroMarriage, tragedy
First wife of Alcmaeon who received the cursed necklace of Harmonia as a wedding gift
Hypsipyle
🗡 heroNone recorded
Queen of Lemnos who saved her father when the women of the island murdered every other man, later becoming the lover of Jason during the Argonauts' voyage