Aristodemus facts for kids
In Greek mythology, Aristodemus was a brave hero, part of a famous family known as the Heracleidae. This family were descendants of the mighty hero Heracles (also known as Hercules). Aristodemus was the son of Aristomachus and had two brothers, Cresphontes and Temenus. He played a big role in leading the fifth and final attack on a powerful city called Mycenae in a region of Greece known as the Peloponnese.
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Aristodemus: A Hero from Ancient Greece
Aristodemus was a great-great-grandson of the legendary hero Heracles. He and his brothers, Cresphontes and Temenus, were important leaders of the Heracleidae. Their goal was to reclaim lands in the Peloponnese that they believed belonged to their ancestors.
The Oracle's Puzzling Message
Before their big attack, Aristodemus and his brothers had a problem. They had followed advice from an oracle (a special priest or priestess who gave messages from the gods) in the past, but it had led to bad luck. The oracle had told an earlier leader, Hyllas, to attack through a "narrow passage" when the "third fruit was ripe." This advice had not worked out well for them.
What Did the Oracle Mean?
So, Aristodemus and his brothers went back to the oracle to complain. They wanted a clearer answer. The oracle explained that by "third fruit," it meant the "third generation" of leaders. And the "narrow passage" was not the narrow land bridge of Corinth, but actually the straits of Rhium, a specific sea passage.
A Sad End and a New Beginning
Following the new instructions, Aristodemus and his brothers began to build a fleet of ships at a place called Naupactus. However, before they could even set sail, a tragic event occurred. Aristodemus was suddenly struck by lightning or, as some stories say, shot by the god Apollo. This happened because one of the Heracleidae had done something wrong, which angered the gods. Because of this, their entire fleet of ships was also destroyed.
Even though Aristodemus died, his brothers, Cresphontes and Temenus, were later able to successfully conquer the Peloponnese. They divided the land among themselves and other Heracleidae leaders.
Aristodemus's Family and Legacy
Aristodemus had a wife named Argia. She was the daughter of King Autesion from Thebes. Together, they had twin sons named Eurysthenes and Procles. These twin brothers became the ancestors of the two royal families that ruled the powerful city-state of Sparta. This meant that even after his death, Aristodemus's family line continued to play a very important role in the history of ancient Greece.
See also
In Spanish: Aristodemo para niños
