Who were the parents of Phaedra in Greek mythology?
Phaedra was the daughter of King Minos and Queen Pasiphaë of Crete. This royal union produced eight children together including three daughters and four sons.
Questions about Phaedra (mythology)
Short answers, pulled from the story.
How did Phaedra die according to Apollodorus text?
Phaedra committed suicide by hanging herself while holding a letter accusing her stepson Hippolytus of assault. She wrote this letter to her husband Theseus after he rejected her advances.
Why did Aphrodite curse Phaedra to fall in love with Hippolytus?
Aphrodite cursed Phaedra because Hippolytus refused to worship her and vowed eternal chastity instead. The goddess punished him for his devotion to Artemis and refusal to honor Aphrodite as a deity.
Where are Phaedra and Hippolytus buried near to a racetrack?
Pausanias writes that Phaedra and Hippolytus were buried close to each other near to a racetrack where Hippolytus used to practice. A myrtle tree grew over her tomb and Troezenians claimed its leaves were pierced by a pin from Phaedra's hair.
Which play did Euripides write about Phaedra and what is its status?
Euripides created another work known as Hippolytus Veiled which no longer exists. He also produced the popularized version called Hippolytus where Phaedra has a reputation as a virtuous queen caught between Hippolytus and Aphrodite.