Learchus [SEP] father
Learchus
Learchus () or Learches is a figure in Greek mythology and was the son of Athamas and Ino as well as the brother of Melicertes.
Mythology.
The story of Learchus is part of the Theban Cycle which was elaborated by Ovid in his "Metamorphoses". He was killed as a boy by his father, Athamas, whom Hera drove insane as punishment for having received and raised Dionysus, the illegitimate son of Zeus and Semele, Ino's sister.
Athamas, blinded by the madness, exchanged
Eryxo and Polyarchus were plotting to kill Learchus in revenge for the deaths of their father and Arcesilaus. Polyarchus with two young men had swords in their hands were secretly waiting and hiding in her bedroom.
Succession Demise of Learchus.
Eryxo had asked Learchus to come to her bedroom and Learchus came unattended to Eryxo’s room. As he entered, the young men fell upon Learchus and ran their swords through his body and Learchus had died. Learchus’ body was throw over the wall and Polyarchus brought out Battus III and proclaimed