Hypermnestra and Lynceus
When Danaus orders his fifty daughters to kill their husbands, Hypermnestra alone refuses and spares Lynceus.
The Story
Danaus had fifty daughters, while his brother Aegyptus had fifty sons.
Conflict between the two branches of the family eventually led to a mass marriage.
The daughters of Danaus were married to the sons of Aegyptus.
But Danaus ordered his daughters to kill their husbands on the wedding night.
Most obeyed.
Hypermnestra did not.
Her husband Lynceus had respected her, and she refused to murder him.
She allowed him to live.
Her decision set her apart from her sisters.
In later tradition Danaus punished or prosecuted Hypermnestra for disobeying him, but she was ultimately vindicated.
Hypermnestra and Lynceus remained together.
Their son was Abas.
Through Abas the family line continued to Acrisius, Danaë and Perseus.
The single act of mercy that spared Lynceus therefore became the genealogical bridge between the Danaids and one of the greatest heroic dynasties of Greek mythology.
Key Figures
Why It Matters
Hypermnestra and Lynceus provide the missing genealogical bridge from Danaus to Abas, Acrisius, Danaë and Perseus.
Traditions & Variations
Ancient traditions vary over Hypermnestra's punishment, trial and eventual reconciliation with Danaus. The central feature is that she alone spares Lynceus.