Aegyptus

Aegyptus (Greek form of Het-Ka-Ptah, an ancient city near Egyptian Memphis) In Greek mythology, son of Belus and Anchinoë; twin brother of Danaus. Aegyptus conquered the land of Melampodes (blackfeet) and named it after himself (Egypt). He fathered 50 sons and compelled Danaus’s 50 daughters, against their will, to marry them. He went to Argos, where his sons had pursued their brides, and died there of grief on learning of their deaths at the hands of their wives on their wedding night. A variant of the myth says Aegyptus’s only surviving son reconciled him to his brother Danaus, who was the father of the 50 wives. Apollodorus’s Bibliotheca (Library) (2.1.4–5) tells his tale.

SOURCE:

Encyclopedia of World Mythology and Legend, Third Edition – Written by Anthony S. Mercatante & James R. Dow-Copyright © 2009 by Anthony S. Mercatante