Pronunciation: [ˈe͡ɪd͡ʒɪəs] (IPA) 
The word "Aigeus" is commonly spelled with the letter combination "ae", which can cause confusion in terms of pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, this word would be spelled as /ˈeɪdʒiəs/. The "eɪ" represents the long "a" sound, the "dʒ" represents the "j" sound as in "jump", and the "iəs" represents the "ee-us" sound. It is important to use IPA to clarify English spelling, which often contains inconsistencies and exceptions.
Aigeus or Aegeus refers to a prominent figure in Greek mythology. In ancient Greek literature and folklore, Aigeus is recognized as the king of Athens and is primarily known for his involvement in the myth of Theseus. According to the legends, Aigeus was the son of Pandion II, the ruler of Athens, and was married to Aethra.
Aigeus is most notable for the circumstances surrounding the birth and upbringing of his son Theseus. It is said that Aigeus visited the Oracle of Delphi, seeking guidance on his childless state. The oracle told him not to have relations with any woman until he returned to Athens, but Aigeus misunderstood this prophecy and had a union with Aethra upon returning to Troezen. This led to the birth of Theseus, who would later become an iconic hero in Greek mythology.
Aigeus is also linked to Theseus through the well-known myth of the Minotaur. Theseus, having grown up in Troezen, would eventually travel to Athens to meet his father. Along the way, he encountered Aigeus in various trials, including the famous encounter with the bandit Procrustes. Theseus eventually arrived in Athens, where he succeeded in fulfilling his heroic destiny.
Overall, Aigeus plays a crucial role in the narrative of Theseus, acting as his biological father and playing a symbolic role in his journey to greatness.
The etymology of the word Aigeus can be traced back to ancient Greek mythology. Aigeus, also spelled Aegeus, was a legendary king of Athens and the father of the hero Theseus. The name Aigeus is derived from the Greek word aix meaning goat or shield and the suffix -eus indicating descent or origin. Therefore, the name Aigeus could be interpreted as one descended from goats or shield-bearer.
