TEREUS Meaning and
Definition
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Tereus is a noun that refers to a figure in Greek mythology. In mythology, Tereus was a Thracian king, husband of Procne and brother-in-law of Philomela. He is known for his deceit and dark actions, which have become symbolic of betrayal and violence.
In accordance with the myth, Tereus was married to Procne, a daughter of King Pandion of Athens. However, he fell in love with Procne's sister, Philomela, and desired her passionately. To satisfy his desires, Tereus devised a sinister plan. He disguised his sinister intentions and pretended to arrange a meeting between Philomela and Procne. However, instead of reuniting the sisters, he raped Philomela and cut out her tongue to prevent her from revealing the truth.
When Procne discovered Tereus' horrifying actions, she swore revenge and hatched a plan of her own. She served Tereus their son, Itys, as a meal, unbeknownst to him. Once Tereus discovered the truth, he pursued the two sisters, but the gods transformed them into birds. Philomela became a nightingale, known for her mournful song, and Procne was transformed into a swallow, symbolically representing fidelity and motherhood.
The story of Tereus serves as a cautionary tale and is often used as an allegory for the consequences of treachery, deceit, and violence.
Etymology of TEREUS
The word "Tereus" has its origins in Greek mythology. In Greek, "Tereus" is Τηρεύς in its original form. Tereus was a character in the ancient Greek myth of Tereus, Procne, and Philomela. Tereus was a Thracian king who married Procne, the daughter of King Pandion of Athens. The story involves infidelity, betrayal, and revenge.
