Cretheus

Cretheus is a figure from Greek mythology, primarily known as the son of Aeolus and Enarete. He was the king of Iolcus in Thessaly and the father of Aeson, Pheres, and Amythaon. His lineage connects him to a significant branch of the Aeolids, the descendants of Aeolus, the god of winds.

Cretheus's reign in Iolcus is notable for establishing the city as a prominent power in Thessaly. He was a respected ruler, and his descendants would play crucial roles in various myths. His son Aeson was the father of the hero Jason, the leader of the Argonauts. Pheres, another son, founded the city of Pherae and was the father of Admetus, who famously hosted Apollo during his exile and was the husband of Alcestis. Amythaon, his third son, was the father of Bias and Melampus, both prominent seers and heroes.

The mythology surrounding Cretheus focuses more on his descendants than on his own actions. He is presented as a foundational figure in the royal line of Iolcus, a lineage that would become entangled with the fates of many other heroes and gods. His importance lies in his role as an ancestor to key figures in Greek epic and tragedy, particularly Jason and the story of the Golden Fleece.