Kings of Crete

Background

The island of Crete, located in the Mediterranean Sea, has a rich mythological history that includes several legendary kings. These kings are often associated with significant myths and legends that form an essential part of Greek mythology. Here are some of the most notable kings of Crete:

1. Minos

King Minos is the most famous of all the kings of Crete and a central figure in many Greek myths. He was the son of Zeus and Europa, and his reign is associated with the height of Minoan civilization.

Parentage: Minos was the son of Zeus, who had taken the form of a bull to abduct Europa. Europa later gave birth to Minos and his brothers, Rhadamanthys and Sarpedon.
Wife: Minos married Pasiphaë, a daughter of the sun god Helios. Together, they had several children, including Androgeos, Ariadne, Phaedra, and the Minotaur.
Minotaur Myth: One of the most famous myths associated with Minos is the story of the Minotaur. Pasiphaë, under a curse from Poseidon, fell in love with a bull and gave birth to the Minotaur, a creature with the body of a man and the head of a bull. Minos had the architect Daedalus construct the Labyrinth to house the Minotaur.
Theseus: The hero Theseus eventually came to Crete and, with the help of Minos's daughter Ariadne, navigated the Labyrinth and killed the Minotaur.
Law and Order: Minos was also known for his role as a wise and just ruler. After his death, he became one of the judges of the dead in the underworld.

2. Rhadamanthys

Rhadamanthys was another son of Zeus and Europa and a brother of Minos. He is known for his wisdom and fairness.

Judgment in the Underworld: Like Minos, Rhadamanthys became one of the judges of the dead in the underworld. He was known for his strict sense of justice and righteousness.
Rule in Crete: Some myths suggest that Rhadamanthys ruled over Crete before Minos or served as his co-ruler. He later became the ruler of the Aegean islands.

3. Sarpedon

Sarpedon was the third son of Zeus and Europa. His story diverges from those of his brothers.

Exile: Sarpedon was expelled from Crete due to a conflict with Minos over the love of a youth named Miletus.
King of Lycia: After being exiled, Sarpedon eventually became the king of Lycia in Asia Minor. He is sometimes confused with another Sarpedon, a hero who fought in the Trojan War and was killed by Patroclus.

4. Asterion (Asterius)

Asterion (or Asterius) was a king of Crete and the husband of Europa after she was brought to Crete by Zeus.

Foster Father: Asterion adopted Europa's sons—Minos, Rhadamanthys, and Sarpedon—and raised them as his own. His role was more of a caretaker and foster father rather than a prominent ruler with many myths of his own.

5. Deucalion

Deucalion was a later king of Crete and a descendant of Minos. He is sometimes confused with the Deucalion who survived the great flood with his wife, Pyrrha.

Son of Minos II: Deucalion was the son of Minos II, the grandson of the original Minos.
Father of Idomeneus: Deucalion was the father of Idomeneus, who played a significant role in the Trojan War as one of the Greek leaders.

6. Idomeneus

Idomeneus was a king of Crete and a hero of the Trojan War.

Trojan War: Idomeneus was one of the Greek leaders in the Trojan War and is noted for his bravery and leadership. He brought a fleet of ships from Crete to join the Greek forces at Troy.
Vow to Poseidon: According to one myth, Idomeneus made a vow to Poseidon that he would sacrifice the first living thing he saw upon his return home if the god helped him survive the stormy seas. Unfortunately, the first to greet him was his own son, leading to a tragic end.
Exile: As a result of the sacrifice or other misfortunes, Idomeneus was exiled from Crete and ended his days in Italy.

Summary

The kings of Crete, especially Minos, played significant roles in Greek mythology. Their stories are intertwined with some of the most famous myths, such as the Minotaur, Theseus, and the Trojan War. These kings were not only rulers but also key figures in the mythological narratives that shaped ancient Greek culture and beliefs.

Asterion
Catreus
Deucalion of Crete
Idomeneus
Melissus of Crete
Minos
Rhadamanthus
Tectamus