Myths Collection

Search by title and refine by origin, characters, tags, and sort order.

King Codrus Sacrificing Himself to Save Athens

OriginGreek Mythology

King Codrus of Athens, upon learning from the Delphic Oracle that his city would only survive if he perished at the hands of the enemy, sacrificed himself during the Dorian invasion. Disguising himself as a common woodcutter to bypass the enemy's orders to spare his life, he provoked a fatal skirmish with Dorian soldiers. His selfless act ensured the safety of Athens and led to the transition...