Megapenthes of Sparta

In Greek mythology, Megapenthes (/ˌmɛɡəˈpɛnˌθiːz/; Ancient Greek: Μεγαπένθης Megapénthēs), a Spartan prince and son of Menelaus.

For other uses, see Megapenthes.

Mythology

Megapenthes ruled after his father's death and sent his mother (or step-mother) Helen into exile.[1] In some legends, Helen was his mother; in most, however, he was Menelaus's son by a concubine, Pieris or Tereis,[2][3] and was born during the Trojan War. His name means "great sorrow" and he is named that because he was conceived while Menelaus was grieving the loss of Helen.

He marries the daughter of Alector in the beginning of Book IV of The Odyssey, whose name was Iphiloche or Echemela.[4]

At the death of their father, Megapenthes and his brother or half-brother Nicostratus[5][6] together seized the throne of Sparta and drove Helen out. They were depicted on the throne in Amyclae riding the same horse.[7]

Notes
  1. Pausanias, Graeciae Descriptio 3.19.9
  2. Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 3.11.1
  3. Pausanias, Graeciae Descriptio 2.18.6
  4. Homer, Odyssey 4.10
  5. Pausanias, Graeciae Descriptio 2.18.6 calls Megapenthes and Nicostratus sons of a slave woman
  6. according to Pseudo-Apollodorus, Bibliotheca 3.11.1 Nicostratus is the son of Helen
  7. Pausanias, Graeciae Descriptio 3.18.3 & 3.19.9
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References
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