Galaxy/The codex of Heleus

In Greek mythology, Heleus (also Heleius or Helios) is a Mycenaean prince, one of the sons of Perseus and Andromeda. He joins his nephew Amphitryon's expedition against the Taphians and, after victory, shares rule of their domain with Cephalus. Laconian tradition made him eponym of Helos.

Adapted from Wikipedia, "Heleus" · CC BY-SA 4.0

I.Perseid brother

Apollodorus lists Heleus among Perseus and Andromeda's children beside Perses, Alcaeus, Sthenelus, Electryon, Mestor, and Gorgophone — the generation that anchors the Mycenaean stem before Amphitryon and Heracles.

When Amphitryon warred on the Taphians to avenge Electryon's cattle raid, Heleus went with him; after the victory he and Cephalus shared sovereignty over the conquered islands.

II.Helos

Pausanias and Strabo connect the Laconian town Helos with Heleus as founder and name-giver. The atlas id heleus-perseid keeps this Perseid distinct from the sun-god Helios and from other marsh-eponyms.

AT A GLANCE

Greek nameHeleus (Ἕλεος)
Typemortal
DomainsPerseid prince of Mycenae · Helos in Argolis
ParentagePerseus · Andromeda
Cult centersMycenae (Perseid house) · Helos in Laconia (eponym tradition) · Taphian islands (shared rule after the war)
EtymologyAncient Greek Ἕλειος / Ἕλιος (Heleios / Helios); folk-linked to Helos ("marsh" / the Laconian town).
READ MOREWikipedia