Mestra
Daughter of Erysichthon who escaped slavery through shape-shifting.
Mestra was a daughter of Erysichthon of Thessaly in Greek mythology. She is notable for her ability to change shape, which she used to escape captivity. Antoninus Liberalis called her Hypermestra and her father Aethon.
Quick Facts
- Father
- Erysichthon (also called Aethon)
- Alternate name
- Hypermestra
- Spouse
- Autolycus
- Divine patron
- Poseidon
- Son
- Eurypylus
- Island associated
- Cos
Facts from the source article.
Mythology
Erysichthon angered Demeter by violating one of her sacred groves and was cursed with insatiable hunger. After exhausting his wealth on food, he sold Mestra into slavery. She prayed to Poseidon, who had previously deflowered her, and he transformed her into a fisherman. In disguise, she convinced her master no woman was on the shore, and he left deceived. Returning home, her father discovered her shape-shifting ability and repeatedly sold her to different buyers; each time she escaped by transforming into various animals, returning with the proceeds for more food. In Hesiod's account, Erysichthon sold her to suitors for bride prices. Sisyphus hoped to win her for his son Glaucus, but that marriage did not occur. Poseidon carried Mestra to the island of Cos, where she bore him a son, Eurypylus.
More in Metamorphoses Into Animals in Greek Mythology
Spotted an error? Know more?
Reader corrections go straight into our review queue. Suggest an edit · How this site is sourced