Prokroústs

Prokroústs, also known as Procrustes, is a figure from Greek mythology, often depicted as a bandit or innkeeper who lived in Attica, near Athens. His name is derived from the Greek word "prokroustes," meaning "the stretcher" or "the hammerer." Prokroústs was known for his unusual method of accommodating guests in his house, which was to make them fit his iron bed exactly. If a guest was too short, he would stretch them on a rack; if they were too tall, he would cut off their legs. This brutal practice earned him a notorious reputation in Greek folklore.

According to the myth, Prokroústs was eventually outwitted and killed by the hero Theseus, who was on his way to Athens to confront King Aegeus. Theseus turned the tables on Prokroústs by subjecting him to his own torture method, either stretching him or cutting off his legs to fit the bed. This act symbolized justice being served through the bandit's own cruel practices.

The story of Prokroústs has been interpreted in various ways, often serving as a metaphor for the dangers of rigid conformity and the abuse of power. The term "Procrustean" has entered the English language to describe situations where something is forced to fit a predetermined standard, often through arbitrary or violent means. This myth continues to be a popular subject in art, literature, and psychology, illustrating timeless themes of justice, power, and the consequences of extreme behavior.