The Danaides
Elektra was one of the twelve daughters of Danaus and Polyxo. Elektra was one of the fifty Danaids who married the fifty sons of King Aigyptos. The night of the marriage Elektra along with forty-eight of her forty-nine sisters and half-sisters murdered their respective husbands.
Punishment
When Elektra and the other Danaids who had murdered their husbands they were sent to Tartarus and were forced to carry water from the river Styx in a bowls (or jars according to some) with holes over to a tub which leaks at multiple parts. Elektra and the others were told only when they filled the tub could they wash away their sins. The Danaids continue this essentially impossible task to this very day.
Parents
Danaus & Polyxo
Spouse & Lovers
Peristhenes
Ancient Text
"The twelve sons of a Naias Nymphe named Kaliadne [and Aigyptos]drew lots for the daughters of Polyxo, also a Naias [and Danaus]. The sons were named Eurylokhos, Phantes, Peristhenes, Hermos, Dryas, Potamon, Kisseus, Lixos, Imbros, Bromios, Polyktor, and Khthonios; the girls were Autonoe, Theano, Elektra, Kleopatra, Eurydike, Glaukippe, Antheleia, Kleodore, Euippe, Erato, Stygne, and Bryke."
Gallery
