Echetlaeus (Greek: Ἐχετλαῖος) or Echetlus (Greek: Ἔχετλος) was an Athenian mythical hero.

The following tradition was current at Athens after the battle of Marathon. During the battle a man appeared among the Athenians, who resembled a rustic, and slew many of the Persians with his plough. After the battle, he disappeared and when the Athenians searched for him, they couldn't find him anywhere. When they consulted the oracle, they were commanded to worship the hero Echetlaeus, that is the hero with the echetlon, or ploughshare. Echetlus was to be seen in the painting in the Stoa Poikile, which represented the battle of Marathon. (Pausanias i. 15. $4>32, §4.) [L.S.]

In addition, Echetlus is the name of one of the defenders of Thebes. He is killed when the Seven Against Thebes attacked the city.[1]

References

This article incorporates text from a publication now in the public domain: Smith, William, ed. (1867). "article name needed". Dictionary of Greek and Roman Biography and Mythology.

^ Statius, Thebaid, 10.296 [1]

Greek Mythology

See also : Greek Mythology. Paintings, Drawings

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