EURYSTHEUS, a king of Argos and Mycenæ, son of Sthenelus, and Nicippe the daughter of Pelops. Juno hastened his birth by two months, that he might come into the world before Hercules the son of Alcmena, as the younger of the two was doomed by order of Jupiter to be subservient to the will of the other. (Vide ALCmena.) This natural right was cruelly exercised by Eurytheus, who was jealous of the fame of Hercules; and who to destroy so powerful a relation, imposed upon him the most dangerous and uncommon enterprises well known by the name of the twelve labours of Hercules. The success of Hercules in attaining those perilous labours alarmed Eurytheus in a greater degree, and he furnished himself with a brazen vessel, where he might secure himself a safe retreat in case of danger. After the death of Hercules, Eurytheus renewed his cruelties against his children, and made war against Ceyx king of Trachinia, because he had given them support, and treated them with hospitality. He was killed in the prosecution of this war by Hyllus the son of Hercules. His head was sent to Alcmena the mother of Hercules; who, mindful of the cruelties which her son had suffered, insulted it, and tore out the eyes with the most inveterate fury. Eurytheus was succeeded on the throne of Argos by Atreus his nephew. The death of Eurytheus happened about 30 years before the Trojan war.