Athamas

/ ˈæθəˌmæs /

noun

Greek myth a king of Orchomenus in Boeotia; the father of Phrixus and Helle by his first wife Nephele, whom he deserted for Ino

"He cannot get out except to be sacrificed," says Herodotus, speaking of the unlucky descendant of Athamas.

Athamas, having incurred the wrath of Hera, was seized with madness, and slew his son Learchus.

And when the seed bare no increase, King Athamas sent to inquire of the oracle at Delphi what the cause might be.

Athamas, seized with madness, imagined that his spouse was a lioness, and her two sons young lions.

Athamas, regarding this as the fulfilment of the oracle, settled there and married a third wife, Themisto.

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