HERO, in fabulous history, a famous priestess of Venus, lived at Abydos, in a tower situated on the banks of the Hellespont. She was beloved by Leander, who lived at Sestos, on the other side of the strait, and every night swam across to visit her, being directed by a light fixed on the tower. But the light being put out on a stormy night, the youth missed his way and was drowned; upon which Hero threw herself into the sea, and perished.