Greek Mythology Notes

Inachus

god
Ἴναχος
river, Argos

River god of the Inachus and legendary first king of Argos.

The Myth

Inachus was both river god and culture hero, credited with founding the city of Argos and teaching its people to cultivate the land. When Poseidon and Hera both claimed Argos, Inachus judged in Hera's favour. The enraged Poseidon dried up his river in retaliation, which is why the Inachus runs dry in summer. His daughter Io was loved by Zeus and transformed into a cow by the jealous Hera.

Parents

Oceanus, Tethys

Children

Io, Phoroneus

Symbols

dry riverbedkingship

Fun Fact

The Inachus River in the Argolid genuinely runs dry most summers, which the ancients took as ongoing proof of Poseidon's curse.

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