Pandion I facts for kids

In Greek mythology, Pandion I was a famous King of Athens. He was the son of Erichthonius of Athens and his wife, Praxithea, who was a naiad (a water spirit). This also made him the grandson of the god Hephaestus, who was known as the god of blacksmiths and fire.

Pandion's Family

King Pandion I married a naiad named Zeuxippe. They had two sons, Erechtheus and Butes. They also had two daughters, Procne and Philomela. Some old stories also say he was the father of Teuthras and Cephalus.

His Time as King

Pandion I was the fifth king of Athens in the traditional stories. He followed kings like Cecrops I, Cranaus, Amphictyon, and Erichthonius. After Pandion, his son Erechtheus became king.

Ancient records, like the Parian Chronicle, say that Pandion I ruled for 40 years. This was around 1437 BC to 1397 BC. Some historians think that either Pandion I or Pandion II might have been added to the stories to fill a gap in Athens' early history.

Important Events During His Rule

During Pandion's time as king, Athens had a war with Labdacus, the king of Thebes. This war was about land borders. To get help in this fight, Pandion married his daughter Procne to Tereus. Tereus was a powerful ruler from Thrace.

It was also during Pandion's reign that two important gods, Demeter and Dionysus, came to the region of Attica (where Athens is). Demeter was the goddess of harvest, and Dionysus was the god of wine and celebration.

The End of His Reign

After Pandion I died, his kingdom was passed on to his son Erechtheus. His other son, Butes, became a priest for the gods Athena and Poseidon.

Sad stories say that Pandion I died from great sadness. This happened when he found out about the tragic deaths of his daughters, Procne and Philomela.

Pandion I is also often linked to Pandion, who was the hero that gave his name to an important tribe in Athens called Pandionis.

See also

• Sanctuary of Pandion