The Search for Europa
After Europa is carried away by Zeus, Agenor sends her brothers Cadmus, Phoenix and Cilix to find her, but their unsuccessful search leads them toward new lands and new dynasties.
The Story
Europa's disappearance did not affect only Europa herself.
After Zeus carried her away, her father Agenor ordered her brothers to search for her.
Cadmus, Phoenix and Cilix set out.
They were not supposed to return without Europa.
But the search failed.
The brothers did not recover their sister.
Instead, their journeys became foundation traditions of their own.
Phoenix became associated with Phoenicia.
Cilix became associated with Cilicia.
Cadmus continued his journey and eventually reached Greece.
His search for Europa would ultimately lead him toward the oracle that directed him to follow a cow and establish a settlement where the animal stopped.
That journey became the foundation story of Thebes.
Europa's abduction therefore created consequences far beyond Crete.
One missing princess became the starting point for several regional genealogies and foundation traditions.
The family of Agenor dispersed across the mythological Mediterranean, while Cadmus' unsuccessful search ultimately produced one of the most important royal houses in Greek mythology.
Key Figures
Why It Matters
The search for Europa connects her abduction directly with the foundation traditions of Cadmus and explains the mythological dispersal of Agenor's sons.
Traditions & Variations
Ancient genealogies vary. Some traditions make Europa the daughter of Phoenix rather than Agenor, and the identities and journeys of the searchers are not identical in every source.