Galaxy/The codex of Macar

In Greek mythology, Macar (Macareus) of Lesbos is an Olenian prince, son of Crinacus, who settles the island after Deucalion's flood and becomes its early king. Homer recalls Lesbos as "the seat of Macar"; Diodorus makes him lawgiver and colonizer of neighbouring islands. Distinct from Macareus son of Aeolus, the Lapith Macareus, and other namesakes.

Adapted from Wikipedia, "Macareus of Lesbos" · CC BY-SA 4.0

I.King after the flood

Diodorus, citing Hesiodic tradition, says that seven generations after Deucalion's flood Lesbos lay desolate until Macareus came from Olenus, recognized the land's beauty, and made his home there. His fairness and the island's fertility let him extend power to neighbouring islands.

Lesbos son of Lapithes later arrives with colonists, marries Macareus' daughter Methymna, and gives his own name to the island — while Macareus' other daughters Mytilene, Antissa, Arisbe, Issa, and Agamede become city eponyms.

II.Colonies and the Lion law

Macareus sends sons to rule colonies: Cydrolaus to Samos, Neandrus to Cos, Leucippus to Rhodes, another to Chios; Eresus names a Lesbian town. He issues a law called the "Lion" for its strength and courage.

The atlas id macar-lesbos is this Lesbian king alone — not Macareus the Aeolid incest figure, not the Arcadian Lycaonid, and not Odysseus' companion Macareus of Nericus.

AT A GLANCE

Greek nameMakar (Μάκαρ)
Typehero
Domainseponym of Lesbos
Cult centersLesbos (Mytilene, Methymna, Eresos and other Lesbian poleis)
EtymologyAncient Greek Μάκαρ / Μακαρεύς, "happy, blessed" — linked in aetiology to the "Islands of the Blessed."
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