In Greek mythology, Xanthus or Xanthos (/ˈzænθəs/; Ancient Greek: Ξάνθος means "yellow" or "fair hair") was an Argive prince who later on became king of Pelasgia (i.e. Lesbos).

Xanthus
King of Lesbos
Member of the Argive Royal Family
SuccessorMacar
AbodeArgos, later Lycia and
Lesbos (i.e. Issa and Pelasgia)
Genealogy
ParentsTriopas and Oreaside
SiblingsInachus (=?Iasus)

Family

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Xanthus was the son of Pelasgians king, Triopas of Argos,[1] and Oreasis (Oreaside).[2] His brother was called Inachus (=?Iasus).[2]

Mythology

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Xanthus colonized a piece of Lycian land, making it his residence in there and became the ruler of the Pelasgians who had accompanied him. Later on, Xanthus crossed over to Lesbos, which was uninhabited, and divided the land among the settlers. He named the island, which had formerly been called Issa, Pelasgia after the people who had settled it.[1]

Seven generations later after the flood of Deucalion had taken place and much of mankind had perished, it came to pass that Lesbos was also laid desolate by the deluge of waters. And after these events Macareus, son of Crinacus, came to the island, and recognizing the beauty of the land, he made his home in it.[3]

Notes

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  1. ^ a b Diodorus Siculus, 5.81.2
  2. ^ a b Hyginus, Fabulae 145
  3. ^ Diodorus Siculus, 5.81.3-4

References

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