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Eurystheus in the ancient sources

The passages behind each claim on the Eurystheus page, quoted from a public-domain translation and checked against the text. Read the full passage at the link, or go back to the answer.

What the Sources Say

Is Eurystheus Hercules' brother?

So spake he, and the well-greaved Achaeans waxed glad, for that the great-souled son of Peleus renounced his wrath. And among them spake the king of men, Agamemnon, even from the place where he sat, not standing forth in their midst: My friends, Danaan warriors, squires of Ares, meet is it to give ear to him that standeth to speak, nor is it seemly to break in upon his words;
Homer, Iliad 19.95-133, translated by A. T. Murray (1924) · Read the full passage

Our answer on the Eurystheus page →

Where Accounts Differ

  • how Eurystheus was born first
  • How Eurystheus came to be born first differs by source. Homer's Iliad has Hera trick Zeus into an oath and then hasten the birth. Apollodorus has her persuade the Eileithyiai to hold back Alcmene's delivery.

Sources

Primary sources
  • Homer, Iliad 15.638-640
  • Homer, Iliad 19.95-133
  • Euripides, Alcestis 481-483
  • Apollodorus, Library 2.4.5
  • Apollodorus, Library 2.4.12
  • Apollodorus, Library 2.5.1
  • Apollodorus, Library 2.5.11
  • Apollodorus, Library 2.8.1