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Androgeos

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in Greek mythology, was the son of Minos and of Pasiphae, whose death was the cause of the tribute of the seven maidens and young men which the Athenians were obliged to render to the Minotaur (q.v.) Androgeos was so proficient in all gymnastic exercises: that he won all the prizes at the festival of the Panathenaa at Athens. This gained for him the friendship of the Pallantides (sons of Pallas), but caused also the hatred and envy of AEgeus (q.v.), who thought such a. friendship dangerous to himself, as it was possible Minos might help the Pallantides and drive him from the throne. He therefore sent spies to Enoe, in Attica, secretly to lay in wait for Androgeos and murder him. When Minos became acquainted with what had happened, he came to Athens and sought redress for the dreadful crime, begged Jupiter for revenge, and made war upon Athens. As an answer to his prayers, great want and pestilence came upon Attica, which would only cease when its inhabitants would pay the tribute for the murder of Androgeos. This tribute consisted in the yearly sacrifice of seven young men and seven maidens as food for the Minotaur.