Admetus

In Greek mythology, Admetus was the king of Pherae in the region of Thessaly, son of Pheres. He participated in the Argonautic Expedition.

He was a fair and hospitable king; when Apollo was forced to serve under a mortal because of killing Delphyne, he chose to serve as Admetus’ herdsman. The god later helped him win over Alcestis, princess of Iolcus, daughter of Pelias. Pelias ran a contest to choose the best suitor for his daughter; the task was to yoke a boar and a lion to a chariot. With Apollo’s help, Admetus succeeded and married Alcestis.

When the Fates decided it was time for Admetus to die, Apollo intoxicated them and made them agree to keep him alive, as long as someone else would take his place. To this, Alcestis agreed to take her husband’s place, and was escorted by Thanatos, god of death, to the Underworld. Later, when Heracles had undertaken the Twelve Labours, Admetus treated him very kindly; the demigod repaid for Admetus’ hospitality, by going to the Underworld and fighting with Thanatos. Thus, he managed to bring Alcestis back from the dead to her husband.

See Also: Argonauts, Apollo, Alcestis, Fates, Thanatos, Heracles