Messene (mythology)

Messene (Greek Μεσσήνη ) is a figure from Greek mythology.

She is the daughter of the king of Argos Triopas. She marries Polycaon, the younger son of the king of Sparta Lelex.

Since Polycaon is not entitled to the Spartan throne, Messene encourages him to seek a kingdom of his own. They collect in Argos and Sparta a following and pull Messinia, which gets its name after her. There they founded several cities, including Andania they make to their residence. Messene is said to have introduced there the Eleusinian Mysteries. With Polycaon they also said to have created the cult of Zeus in Ithome to life.

Messene was worshiped in Messenia as the founder after her Glaucus had donated a hero cult. It was represented on coins of the city of Messene. In this city, a temple was erected to her, be in that fabricated of gold and Parian marble cult statue.

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  • Pausanias: Description of Greece 4, 1, 1-2. 5; 4, 3, 9
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