Copreus in the ancient sources

Ancient Sources / Figures / Copreus

5 passages from 2 ancient authors that tell of Copreus, in the original with English translation, author by author in the order the Greeks read them. Copreus was the herald of King Eurystheus in Greek mythology, responsible for announcing the Labours of Heracles to the hero. He was the son of Pelops... For the story in one place, read our article on Copreus.

Apollodorus (1)

Apollodorus, The Library (Bibliotheca), with the Epitome 2.5.1–6The Labours of Heracles (1-6): the Nemean Lion to the Stymphalian BirdsHeracles goes to Tiryns and serves Eurystheus, who sets him labours. He strangles the Nemean lion, kills the Lernaean hydra with Iolaus's help, takes the Cerynitian hind alive, and captures the Erymanthian boar after the fight with the centaurs at Pholus's cave, in which Chiron is wounded. He then cleans the stables of Augeas by diverting two rivers, and scares off the Stymphalian birds with Athena's castanets. Eurystheus refuses to count the hydra and the stables, because Iolaus helped and Augeas paid a wage.

Euripides (4)

Euripides, Children of Heracles 236–287First episode: Demophon refuses to give up the suppliantsDemophon gives three reasons for helping the suppliants: they are at the altar of Zeus, they are kinsmen, and it would be shameful to see the free city's altar seized by force. Copreus threatens the city with war, and Demophon answers that he is not afraid of Argos, and sends him away, saying that he will not let him drag the suppliants off by force.
Euripides, Children of Heracles 55–83Copreus tries to drag the children from the altarThe herald Copreus tells Iolaus that he is a fool to sit at an altar as a suppliant when he will be taken by force and stoned, but Iolaus answers that the god's altar and the free land of Athens will protect him. Copreus seizes the children, and Iolaus calls for help from the people of Athens, whereupon the Chorus enters, wondering at the cry heard at the altar.
Euripides, Children of Heracles 84–119Iolaus tells the Chorus who the children are; Demophon arrivesIolaus tells the Chorus that he is from Mycenae and that the children are the sons of Heracles, and Copreus says that Iolaus and the children are subjects of Eurystheus, who have a right over them. The Chorus says that he should have addressed the king of the land and not have used force at the altar, and Demophon, with his brother Acamas, comes in haste.
Euripides, Children of Heracles 120–180First episode: Copreus claims the exiles for EurystheusDemophon asks who has been wreathing the altar, and the Chorus tells him that the sons of Heracles sit there as suppliants. Copreus declares that he is an Argive, sent by Eurystheus to take back his own subjects, who have been condemned by their city. He says that Demophon has no right to protect them and warns that Argos will go to war, and he offers the friendship of Argos.