Leucippe

A daughter of Thestor, and sister of Theonoë. When the latter was abducted by pirates, their father went in search of her, and as a result of shipwreck, came to the land of Caria, and was cast into chains at the place where Theone was staying. Leucippe, now that her father and sister were lost, asked Delphi whether she should search for them. Then Apollo replied: Go throughout the earth as my priest, and you will find them. Lecuippe, on hearing this response, cut her hair, and as a youthful priest went from country to country to find them. When she had come to Caria, Theonoë saw her, and thinking she was a priest, fell in love with "him," and bade "him" be brought that she lie with "him." But she, because she was a woman, said it could not be done. Then Theonoë in anger gave orders that the priest be shut in a room and that someone from the servants' quarters come to kill him.

The old man Thestor was sent unknowingly to his daughter to do the slaying. Theonoë did not recognize him and gave him a sword, bidding him kill the priest. When he had entered, sword in hand, he said his name was Thestor; he had lost his two daughters, Leucippe and Theonoë, and had come to this pitch of misfortune, that he had been ordered to commit a crime. When he had turned the weapon and was about to kill himself, Leucippe, hearing her father's name, wrested the sword from him. In order to go and kill the queen, she called on her father Thestor to aid her. Theonoë, when she heard her father's name, gave proof she was his daughter. Then Icarus the king, after this recognition, sent him back into his country with gifts.

References

Source

  • Hyginus. Fabulae, 190.

This article incorporates text from Fabulae by Hyginus (transl. Mary Grant), which is in the public domain.