ECHIDNA (II) (gr. Échidna „She-Viper” )
in Greekized Scythian myth serpentine virgin living in the cave in the land of Hylea (at Pontus Euxinus). Echidna hid the horses of ➚ Heracles, while he was returning from the expedition for ➚ Geryon cattle. When the hero found her lair, she promised to return the horses in exchange for love. Three sons were born from this relationship: Agathyrsus, Gelonus and ➚ Scythes [1,2].
References
[1] H d t., IV, 9 f.; [2] D i o d., II, 43.
I. I. T o l s t o y, Chernomorskaya legenda o Gerakle i zmeyenogoy deve’, in: Statyi o folklore, Moscow– Leningrad 1966.
Related articles:
