Kings of Argos

Background

Argos, one of the oldest cities in Greece, boasts a long and storied history, particularly within Greek mythology. Many legendary kings ruled Argos, each associated with significant myths and legends. Here are some of the most notable kings of Argos:

1. Inachus

Inachus is considered the founder and first king of Argos.

River God: Inachus was a river god and the son of the Titans Oceanus and Tethys.
Foundation: He is credited with founding the city of Argos and establishing its initial population.
Children: Inachus fathered several children, including Phoroneus, Aegialeus, and Io.

2. Phoroneus

Phoroneus is an early king of Argos and a cultural hero.

Son of Inachus: Phoroneus is the son of Inachus and the Oceanid Melia.
Civilization: He is credited with introducing the use of fire to humanity and establishing laws and civilization in Argos.
Worship: Phoroneus was highly revered in Argos and had a temple dedicated to him.

3. Io

Io is a significant figure connected to the kingship of Argos.

Priestess: Io was a priestess of Hera in Argos.
Transformation: Zeus fell in love with her, and to protect her from Hera’s jealousy, he transformed her into a cow. Hera, however, discovered this and sent a gadfly to torment Io, causing her to wander the world.
Lineage: Io's descendants include several important figures, such as Epaphus, Belus, and ultimately Perseus and Heracles.

4. Danaus

Danaus is a key figure in the mythology of Argos.

Migration: Danaus fled from Egypt to Argos with his fifty daughters, the Danaides, to escape his brother Aegyptus.
Kingship: He became the king of Argos after the reigning king, Gelanor, stepped down in his favor.
Danaides: The myth of the Danaides involves the daughters being forced to marry the fifty sons of Aegyptus and then killing their husbands on their wedding night, except for one daughter, Hypermnestra.

5. Acrisius

Acrisius is known for his role in the myth of Perseus.

Grandson of Danaus: Acrisius was the grandson of Danaus and a king of Argos.
Prophecy: He received a prophecy that he would be killed by his daughter's son. To avoid this fate, he imprisoned his daughter, Danaë, in a bronze chamber.
Perseus: Despite his efforts, Zeus visited Danaë in the form of a golden shower, and Perseus was born. Acrisius later met his fate when Perseus accidentally killed him with a discus during a sports competition.

6. Perseus

Perseus is one of the greatest Greek heroes and a king of Argos.

Son of Zeus and Danaë: Perseus is the son of Zeus and Danaë.
Adventures: His most famous myth involves slaying the Gorgon Medusa and rescuing Andromeda from a sea monster.
Kingship: After accidentally killing Acrisius, Perseus exchanged kingdoms with his cousin Megapenthes, becoming the king of Tiryns and founding Mycenae.

7. Megapenthes

Megapenthes succeeded Perseus as king of Argos.

Son of Proetus: Megapenthes is the son of Proetus, who was Acrisius's twin brother and ruler of Tiryns.
Exchange of Kingdoms: Megapenthes and Perseus swapped kingdoms, with Megapenthes ruling Argos and Perseus ruling Tiryns and Mycenae.

8. Abas

Abas is another significant king of Argos.

Grandson of Danaus: Abas is the son of Lynceus and Hypermnestra, making him the grandson of Danaus.
Notable Descendants: He was the father of the twin brothers Acrisius and Proetus.

9. Proetus

Proetus was the twin brother of Acrisius and king of Tiryns, later connected to Argos.

Conflict with Acrisius: Proetus and Acrisius had a prolonged rivalry. They eventually divided the kingdom, with Acrisius taking Argos and Proetus taking Tiryns.
Stheneboea: Proetus's wife, Stheneboea (or Anteia), falsely accused Bellerophon of attempting to seduce her, leading to Bellerophon's many trials.

10. Diomedes

Diomedes is one of the heroes of the Trojan War and a king of Argos.

Son of Tydeus: Diomedes is the son of Tydeus, one of the Seven Against Thebes.
Trojan War: Diomedes played a crucial role in the Trojan War, known for his bravery and valor. He wounded both Ares and Aphrodite in battle.
Later Life: After the war, he returned to Argos and eventually founded colonies in Italy.

Summary

The kings of Argos are central figures in Greek mythology, each contributing to the rich tapestry of myths and legends. From the founding of the city by Inachus to the heroic exploits of Perseus and Diomedes, these kings have left a lasting legacy in the annals of Greek myth. Their stories reflect themes of prophecy, divine intervention, heroism, and the complexities of human and divine relationships.