The Probert Encyclopaedia of Greek & Roman Mythology

DANAUS

In Greek mythology, Danaus was a king of Libya and the father of fifty daughters, the 'Danaides'. His brother Aegyptus, who had fifty sons, wanted a mass marriage, but Danaus fled with his daughters to Argos where he became king. Eventually Aegyptus' sons followed and demanded the Danaides. Danaus agreed, but gave each daughter a weapon with which she slew her husband on their wedding night, all except Hypermestra who spared her husband Lynceus. Lynceus killed Danaus and became king of Argos. In the underworld the Danaides were condemned to carry water in sieves for ever.
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