Wednesday 29 April 2015

Deianeira

In Greek Mythology, Deianeira was described as the daughter of Oeneus, king of Calydon, and Althaea.
Deianeira

                             According to other version Deianeira was described as the daughter of Dionysus, the wine god. When Dionysus had come as a guest to Oeneus, he fell in love with Althaea. When Oeneus realized this, he voluntarily left the city and pretended to be performing sacred rites. Dionysus took the full advantage of Oeneus absence and  had sex with Althaea. 
Deianeira and Hercules

                       Deianira was Hercules's second wife. According to some versions, Deianeira was of such striking beauty that both Hercules and Achelous wanted to marry her and there was a contest to win her hand. Her father had already betrothed her to the fearsome river god Achelous, horned and bull-like. Deianira was not passive, however, and she wanted nothing to do with her suitor, who was able to take the form of a speckled serpent, a bull-headed man, or a bull. Hercules, had to defeat the river god to win her as his bride.
Deianeira and hercules

                                       According to one version,  Deianira was described as the daughter of Dexamenus, king of Olenus. Hercules had sexual intercourse with Deianira and promises to come back and marry her. While he was away, the centaur Eurytion appears, demanding her as his wife. Her father, being afraid, agrees. Hercules returns before the marriage and slays the centaur, claiming his bride.
Deianeira kidnapped by Nessus

                                              Later a wild centaur named Nessus attempted to kidnap or rape Deianira as he was ferrying her across the river Euenos, but she was rescued by Hercules, who shot the centaur with a poisoned arrow. As he lay dying, Nessus persuaded Deianira to take a sample of his blood, telling her that a potion of it mixed with olive oil would ensure that Hercules would never again be unfaithful.

                         Deianira believed his words and kept a little of the potion by her. Hercules fathered illegitimate children all across Greece and then fell in love with Iole (daughter of Eurytus, king of the city Oechalia). When Deianira thus feared that her husband would leave her forever, she smeared some of the blood on Hercules' shirt. Hercules' servant, Lichas, brought him the shirt and he put it on. 
Death of Hercules

The centaur's toxic blood burned Hercules terribly, and eventually, he threw himself into a funeral pyre. In despair, Deianira committed suicide by hanging herself or with a sword.

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