Leucippus of Messenia

"The Rape of the Daughters of Leucippus" by Rubens.

In Greek mythology, Leucippus (Ancient Greek: Λεύκιππος Leukippos) was a Messenian prince. The Boeotian town of Leuctra is said to have derived its name from him.

Roman sarcophagus with Castor and Pollux seizing the daughters of Leucippus, c. 160 CE.

Family

Leucippus was the son of Gorgophone and Perieres and brother of Aphareus. He was the father of two Leucippides: Phoebe and Hilaera, and also of Arsinoe, mother of Asclepius^[1] and Eriopis begotten by the god Apollo.^[2] These three daughters were borne by his wife Philodice, daughter of Inachus.^[3]

Mythology

It is said that Leucippus together with his brother Aphareus inherited their father's kingdom upon his death, but the latter kept the greater authority than the former.^[4]

Castor and Polydeuces abducted and married Leucippus' daughters, Phoebe and Hilaera. In return, Idas and Lynceus, nephews of Leucippus and rival suitors, killed Castor. Polydeuces was granted immortality by Zeus, and further persuaded Zeus to share his gift with Castor.^[5]

References

Sources

• Harry Thurston Peck. Harpers Dictionary of Classical Antiquities (1898) s.v. Leucippus. New York. Harper and Brothers. 1898.
• William Smith. A Dictionary of Greek and Roman biography and mythology s.v. Leucippus. London. John Murray (1848).