Elephantis (mythology)

In Greek mythology, Elephantis (Ancient Greek: Ἐλεφαντίδος) was one of the multiple women of Danaus, king of Libya. She became the mother of two Danaides: Hypermnestra and Gorgophone. The latter married and murdered her husband Proteus during their wedding night while Hypermnestra spared the life of her spouse Lynceus.[1] These couples then started a new line of the Argive dynasty and became the ancestors of Acrisius, Danae, Perseus, Heracles, etc.

According to Hippostratus, Danaus had all his progeny begotten by Europa, the daughter of the river-god Nilus.[2] In some accounts, he married Melia, daughter of his uncle Agenor, king of Tyre.[3]

Argive genealogy

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Argive genealogy in Greek mythology
InachusMelia
ZeusIoPhoroneus
EpaphusMemphis
LibyaPoseidon
BelusAchiroëAgenorTelephassa
DanausElephantisAegyptusCadmusCilixEuropaPhoenix
MantineusHypermnestraLynceusHarmoniaZeus
Polydorus
SpartaLacedaemonOcaleaAbasAgaveSarpedonRhadamanthus
Autonoë
EurydiceAcrisiusInoMinos
ZeusDanaëSemeleZeus
PerseusDionysus
Colour key:

  Male
  Female
  Deity

Notes

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References

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