Demodice
Multiple figures in Greek myth share the name Demodice.
Demodice is a name appearing multiple times in Greek mythology, referring to several distinct figures. The most prominent Demodice is the second wife of either Cretheus or Athamas, who falsely accused Phrixus of sexual abuse after he rejected her advances, leading to his flight. Other figures named Demodice include a daughter of Agenor, a daughter of Rheximachus of Tegea, a Lydian princess, the mother of Scamander, and one of the sacrificial victims of the Minotaur.
- Field
- Greek mythology
- Known for
- Falsely accusing Phrixus of sexual abuse; other mythological roles
- Notable events
- Attempted seduction of Phrixus; death of fiancé Demodicus; rape by brother Pactolus
Lore & Background
In Greek mythology, Demodice, daughter of Agenor, is also known as Demonice. Another Demodice, also called Demodika, Gorgopis, Themisto, or Biadice, was the second wife of either Cretheus or Athamas. She unsuccessfully attempted to seduce Phrixus and, in revenge, accused him of sexual abuse, which caused him to flee from his father's kingdom.
Reader's Guide
Demodice, daughter of Rheximachus of Tegea, was betrothed to Demodicus, one of the triplet sons of Demostratus of Phenea. During a fight between the triplets to end a war, two of her brothers were killed, but the third, Critolaus, won by trickery. Demodice mourned her fiancé rather than celebrate, and Critolaus killed her for being unpatriotic. Their mother charged him with murder, but he was acquitted.
Did You Know?
- Demodice of Lydia was raped by her brother Pactolus during a festival of Aphrodite; he later threw himself into the river Chrysorrhoos, renamed Pactolus.
- Demodice, mother by Corybas of Scamander, had a son who saw the goddess Rhea during her mysteries, went mad, and fell into the river Xanthus, which was renamed Scamander.
- One Demodice was listed among the sacrificial victims of the Minotaur.
- The name Demodice is also recorded as Demonice, Gorgopis, Themisto, or Biadice in different sources.
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