Rhadamanthys
heroRhadamanthys was a son of Zeus and Europa who became one of the three judges of the dead in the underworld, famed for his perfect justice.
The Myth
A brother of Minos, Rhadamanthys was so just in life that he was appointed judge of the dead alongside Minos and Aeacus. He judged the souls of Asians and Africans, while Aeacus judged Europeans, and Minos had the casting vote. His justice was proverbial — "Rhadamanthine" meant absolutely fair but utterly strict. He ruled over Elysium and was sometimes said to be married to Alcmene (Heracles' mother) after her death.
Symbols
Fun Fact
"Rhadamanthine" means inflexibly just — a judge who applies the law without exception or sympathy.
Words We Inherited
English words and phrases that trace back to this myth:
Explore Further
Aeacus
heroAeacus was the most pious mortal of his age, whose prayers could end drought and whose justice...
Alcmene
heroAlcmene was the mortal woman whom Zeus seduced by disguising himself as her husband — she bore...
Elysium
placeThe paradise at the edge of the world where heroes and the virtuous spent eternity in perfect...
Europa
heroEuropa was the Phoenician princess whom Zeus, in the form of a white bull, carried across the sea...
Hera
godQueen of the Olympian gods and goddess of marriage. Known for her jealous rages against Zeus's...
Heracles
heroThe greatest hero of Greek mythology, son of Zeus and the mortal Alcmene. Famous for his...