Rhadamanthys
Rhadamanthys 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 Legend of Rhadamanthys
Brother of Minos and son of Zeus and Europa, Rhadamanthys was so just in life that he was appointed judge of the dead in the Underworld alongside Minos and Aeacus. While Minos judged European souls and Aeacus judged the Greeks, Rhadamanthys ruled over the blessed in Elysium. He had been a lawgiver on Crete before death, and his code influenced Sparta. Some traditions say he married Alcmene, mother of Heracles, after Amphitryon's death. His appointment by Zeus reflects the same principle that led Athena to establish the mortal court that acquitted Orestes in Athens.
Parents
Zeus and Europa
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. See our full guide to English words from Greek mythology.
Explore Further
Minos
🗡 herojudgment
King of Crete who after death became one of three judges of the dead in the Underworld, deciding the fate of souls.
Aeacus
🗡 heroJudge of the dead, grandfather of Achilles
Aeacus was the most pious mortal of his age, whose prayers could end drought and whose justice earned him the role of judge of the dead.
Minos
🗡 heroKing of Crete, judge of the dead
Minos was the legendary king of Crete who ruled the first great maritime empire, commissioned the Labyrinth, and became a judge of the dead in the underworld.
Creon
🗡 heroNone recorded
King of Thebes who ruled after Oedipus and decreed death for Antigone
Sarpédon
🗡 heroSon of Zeus who died at Troy
Sarpedon was a son of Zeus and the greatest Lycian warrior at Troy — his death forced Zeus to confront the limits of even divine power.
Tenes
🗡 heroPurity, Betrayal, Apollo
Prince of Colonae and first ruler of Tenedos, killed by Achilles despite his divine protection by Apollo.
Aletes
🗡 heroWandering, Vengeance, Kingship
Son of Aegisthus who briefly seized the Mycenaean throne before being killed by Electra.
Neleus
🗡 herokingship
Son of Poseidon and Tyro, founder of Pylos, father of Nestor, killed by Heracles for refusing purification.
Antigone
🗡 heroChampion of divine law over human law
Daughter of Oedipus who defied King Creon's decree to bury her brother Polynices. Her story is one of mythology's most powerful explorations of conscience versus authority.
Orestes
🗡 heroAvenger of Agamemnon
Orestes killed his mother to avenge his father — then was acquitted by Athena's court.
Anticleia
🗡 heroNone recorded
The mother of Odysseus who died of grief during her son's long absence at Troy, appearing to him as a shade when he visited the underworld
Phocus of Aegina
🗡 heroAthletic Rivalry, Fratricide, Eponymous Hero
Son of Aeacus killed by his half-brothers Peleus and Telamon, giving his name to the region of Phocis.