Procrustes facts for kids

In Greek mythology, Procrustes (pronounced pro-KRUS-teez) was a famous bandit and craftsman from Attica. He was also known by other names like Prokoptas, Damastes ("the subduer"), or Polypemon. Procrustes was known for attacking travelers and forcing them to fit his special iron bed. If someone was too tall for the bed, he would make them shorter. If they were too short, he would stretch them until they fit. No one ever fit his bed naturally.

The word Procrustean is still used today. It describes situations where a strict rule or standard is applied to everyone, even if it causes harm or doesn't make sense for certain people. It's like trying to force everyone into the same mold, no matter what.

Family and Background

Procrustes was believed to be the son of Poseidon, the Greek god of the sea. He also had a son named Sinis, who was another famous bad guy in Greek myths. Sinis was also defeated by the hero Theseus, just like his father.

The Myth of Procrustes

Procrustes had his hideout on Mount Korydallos, along the Sacred Way. This was an important road between the cities of Athens and Eleusis. He would invite travelers passing by to spend the night in his unique iron bed.

Once a guest was in his stronghold, Procrustes would make sure they "fit" his bed perfectly. If a person was too long for the bed, he would cut off the extra parts. If they were too short, he would stretch them until they reached the bed's length. No one ever matched the bed's size exactly, and Procrustes would always force them to fit.

Procrustes's reign of terror finally ended when the hero Theseus came along. Theseus was on his journey to Athens, traveling the very same Sacred Way. When he encountered Procrustes, Theseus turned the bandit's own trick against him. He forced Procrustes to lie on his own bed. Just as Procrustes had done to countless others, Theseus made sure Procrustes "fit" his own bed. This was the last adventure for Theseus on his important journey from Troezen to Athens.

See also

In Spanish: Procusto para niños

• Ergonomics
• One size fits all
• Rack (torture)
• Xenia (Greek) - the Greek idea of hospitality that Procrustes ignored