Alcmaeon

Alcmaeon (ălkmē'un) [key], in Greek legend, son of Amphiaraüs and Eriphyle, a leader of the expedition of the Epigoni against Thebes. He murdered his mother in revenge for his father's death and consequently was haunted by the Erinyes until he found haven on Achelous' island. There he married Callirrhoë, daughter of Achelous, and lived in peace until his wife demanded the sacred robe and necklace of Harmonia, which were in the possession of his former wife Arsinoë. When he tried to regain them from Arsinoë, her brothers killed him.

The Columbia Electronic Encyclopedia, 6th ed. Copyright © 2007, Columbia University Press. All rights reserved.

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