Lelex

In Greek mythology, Lelex (/ˈliːlɪks/; Ancient Greek: Λέλεξ, gen. Λέλεγος) was one of the original inhabitants of Laconia which was called after him, its first king, Lelegia.

Family[]

Lelex was said to be autochthonous^[1] or his father is said to be the sun-god Helios^{[citation needed]}. He was married to the Naiad nymph Cleocharia and became the father of several sons, including Myles and Polycaon. Some call his wife , and his children Myles, , Bomolochus, and Therapne.^[2]

In other traditions, again, Lelex is described as a son of , and as the father of Amyclas.^[3]

Eurotas, grandson of Lelex, with his daughter Sparta

Through Myles, Lelex was the grandfather of Eurotas who had a daughter named Sparta.^[4] This woman later marry Lacedaemon^[5] who named the city of Sparta after his wife; however, the city's name would also be his own, as it was called either Lacedaemon or Sparta interchangeably.

Sources indicate that Perseus is a descendant of Lelex. Lelex’s great-granddaughter Sparta gave birth to a daughter named Eurydice who had married Acrisius, the king of Argos. Eurydice became the mother of Danaë, thus making her Perseus’ grandmother.^[6]

Mythology[]

Lelex appears to have been conceived by ancient mythographers as the eponymous founder of the Leleges, a semi-mythical people who lived on both sides of the Aegean Sea.^[7] He had a heroum at Sparta.^[8]

Notes[]