Theseus

Here they say that among others Alycus, the son of Sciron, who was at that time in the army of the Dioscuri, was slain, and that from him a place in Megara where he was buried is called Alycus. But Hereas writes that Alycus was slain at Aphidnae by Theseus himself, and cites in proof these verses about Alycus:—

1. whom once in the plain of Aphidnae,
2. Where he was fighting, Theseus, ravisher of fair-haired Helen,
3. Slew.

At any rate, Aphidnae was taken and the city of Athens was full of fear, but Menestheus persuaded its people to receive the Tyndaridae into the city and show them all manner of kindness, since they were waging war upon Theseus alone, who had committed the first act of violence, but were benefactors and saviours of the rest of mankind. And their behavior confirmed his assurances, for although they were masters of everything, they demanded only an initiation into the mysteries, since they were no less closely allied to the city than Heracles.

This privilege was accordingly granted them, after they had been adopted by Aphidnus, as Pylius had adopted Heracles. They also obtained honors like those paid to gods, and were addressed as Anakes, either on account of their stopping hostilities, or because of their diligent care that no one should be injured, although there was such a large army within the city for the phrase anakos echein is used of such as care for, or guard anything, and perhaps it is for this reason that kings are called Anaktes. There are also those who say that the Tyndaridae were called Anakes because of the appearance of their twin stars in the heavens, since the Athenians use anekas and anekathen for ano and anothen, signifying above or on high.

They say that Aethra, the mother of Theseus, who was taken captive at Aphidnae, was carried away to Lacedaemon, and from thence to Troy with Helen, and that Homer bears witness to his when he mentions as followers of Helen:—

1. Aethra of Pittheus born, and Clymene large-eyed and lovely.