Cercyon was a villain in Greek mythology.
Biography[]
Cercyon was the King of Eleusis. Different sources describe him as being the son of various gods and nymphs. His daughter Arope had a son by the sea god Poseidon and, fearing what her father would do if he found out, had the infant exposed on the mountainside. However, the baby was suckled by a mare until it was found by two shepherds, resulting in a dispute over who should take it in. The dispute was brought to King Cercyon, who recognised the infant's garments as belonging to his daughter and realized it was her child. He ordered Arope buried alive before leaving the child exposed on the mountainside again, but once again the mare suckled him until he was found by shepherds, who raised him and gave him the name Hippothous.
Cercyon was also a bandit and serial killer active along the Sacred Way between Athens and Eleusis. He would challenge passers-by to a wrestling match, promising them his kingdom if they won, but he would always win and murder his opponent before robbing them. He continued to rob and kill people in this way until the hero Theseus encountered him on the way to Athens and accepted his challenge. Cercyon had the advantage in brute strength, but Theseus defeated him owing to his skill and managed to lift him up before dashing him to the ground, killing him. He then took over the kingdom of Eleusis, but soon gave it to Hippothous after learning of his claim to the throne and descent from Poseidon.
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