Elephantis (mythology)

In Greek mythology, Elephantis (Ancient Greek: Ἐλεφαντίδος) was one of the multiple women of Danaus, king of Libya. She became the mother of two Danaides: Hypermnestra and Gorgophone. The latter married and murdered her husband Proteus during their wedding night while Hypermnestra spared the life of her spouse Lynceus.^[1] These couples then started a new line of the Argive dynasty and became the ancestors of Acrisius, Danae, Perseus, Heracles, etc.

According to Hippostratus, Danaus had all his progeny begotten by Europa, the daughter of the river-god Nilus.^[2] In some accounts, he married Melia, daughter of his uncle Agenor, king of Tyre.^[3]

Argive genealogy

Argive genealogy in Greek mythology

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Inachus Melia Zeus Io Phoroneus Epaphus Memphis Libya Poseidon Belus Achiroë Agenor Telephassa Danaus Elephantis Aegyptus Cadmus Cilix Europa Phoenix Mantineus Hypermnestra Lynceus Harmonia Zeus Polydorus Sparta Lacedaemon Ocalea Abas Agave Sarpedon Rhadamanthus Autonoë Eurydice Acrisius Ino Minos Zeus Danaë Semele Zeus Perseus Dionysus

Colour key:   Male   Female   Deity