in Fabulous History, wrestled with Hercules, for no less a prize than Deianira, daughter of King Ceneus: but as Achelous had the power of assuming all shapes, the contest was long dubious: at last, as he took that of a bull, Hercules tore off one of his horns; so that he was forced to submit, and to redeem it by giving the conqueror the horn of Amalthea, the same with the Cornucopia or horn of plenty; which Hercules having filled with a variety of fruits, consecrated to Jupiter. Some explain this fable, by saying, That Achelous is a winding river of Greece, whose stream was so rapid, that it roared like a bull, and overflowed its banks; but Hercules, by bringing it into two channels, broke off one of the horns, and so restored plenty to the country. See the next article.

a river of Acarnania; which rises in Mount Pindus, and, dividing Aetolia from Acarnania, falls from north to south into the Sinus Corinthiacus. It was formerly called Thoas from its impetuosity, and king of rivers, (Homer.) The epithet Acheloous is used for Aegaeus, (Virgil;) the ancients calling all water Acheloous, especially in baths, vows, and sacrifices, according to Ephorus: Now called Afro Potamos. Rivers are by the ancient poets called Tauriformes.