Who was Laius of Thebes and what did he do to Chrysippus?
Laius was the king of Thebes who abducted and raped Chrysippus, the son of Pelops. This act established Laius as the originator of pederastic love in myth according to many interpretations.
Questions about Laius
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What prophecy did Laius receive from Delphi regarding his children?
The oracle commanded that Laius must not have a child or the child would kill him. Another version recorded by Aeschylus stated the city could only be saved if Laius died childless.
Where did Oedipus abandon infant Laius on Mount Cithaeron?
Mount Cithaeron served as the desolate place where infant Oedipus lay abandoned with feet bound tightly against the cold earth. A shepherd found the helpless child and carried him away to King Polybus and Queen Merope of Corinth.
How did Laius die during the encounter at the Cleft Way?
Oedipus killed Laius and all but one of his attendants after refusing to yield on the narrow path. That single survivor claimed it was a gang of men who attacked them while Damasistratus buried Laius where he died.
Why were descendants of Cadmus cursed throughout history?
Some theories suggest the entire line of Cadmus was cursed by Ares because Cadmus killed a serpent which angered the god of war. Other accounts blame Hephaestus for resenting Cadmus marrying Harmonia, who was also Hephaestus' straying wife at that time.