Melanthus facts for kids

Melanthus was a legendary king in Greek mythology. He was from a place called Messenia and was the son of Andropompus and Henioche. Melanthus later became an important king of Athens.

The Story of Melanthus

Melanthus belonged to a famous family known as the Neleidae, who were descendants of Neleus. His family lived in Messenia, but they were forced to leave their home. This happened during a big event in Greek mythology, when the descendants of Heracles (a famous hero) returned and took over many lands. This event is sometimes called the "Return of the Heracleidae."

After being forced out of Messenia, Melanthus and other members of his family traveled to Athens. Athens became a new home for them.

King of Athens

Melanthus eventually became the king of Athens. He took over from the previous king, Thymoetes. After Melanthus, his son Codrus became the next king. Codrus was a very important figure, and some stories say he was an ancestor of the famous Greek philosopher Plato.

It was also believed that both Melanthus and his son Codrus were related to the powerful sea god Poseidon. This shows how important and legendary their family was in ancient Greek stories.