Aigeus is the original Greek spelling of the name more commonly Latinized as Aegeus. In Greek mythology, Aegeus was a legendary king of Athens, best known as the father of the hero Theseus. The name is probably derived from the Greek word αἴξ (aix), meaning "goat" (genitive αἰγός, aigos), or from its plural αἶγες (aiges), which also means "waves." Etymology The root etymology links the name to goats or waves, but its mythological significance far outweighs its literal meaning. The name Aigeus is thought to be related to the word aigis ("aegis"), the shield of Zeus, which was made from the skin of the goat Amalthea. However, the most direct connection in the myth is to the Aegean Sea, which was named after the king. Mythological Background Aigeus was the son of Pandion II, king of Athens, and his wife Pylia. According to some accounts, however, he was not a biological son but an adopted one, being instead the son of Scyrius or Phemius. Aigeus first married Meta, daughter of Hoples, and then Chalciope, daughter of Rhexenor, but neither bore him any children. He later fathered Theseus with Aethra of Troezen, but Thiseas was raised away from Athens in Troezen. The myth takes its most tragic turn when Theseus set out to Crete to slay the Minotaur, risking his life with the tribute of Athenian youths. He instructed his ship to sail with black sails and, if successful, to hoist white sails on the return voyage. Upon his triumphant return to Athens, however, Theseus and his crew neglected to unfurl the proper sails, and Aigeus saw the black ones from the cliffs. Believing his son to be dead, he threw himself from the Acropolis—some versions say from a cliff into the sea—thereby causing his death by drowning. The sea was then named the Aegean Sea in his honor. Aigeus is also credited with fathering Medus (by the witch Medea) and, in some traditions, Megareus, the eponymous founder of Megara. He founded several Athenian institutions, such as the festival of the Oschophoria, according to Plutarch. Cultural Significance The name Aigeus appears in Classical Greek texts as Αἰγεύς, and its story underpins one of the most famous foundation myths of the Aegean region. The sea named for him covers modern geography, from islands like Crete to its Greek and Turkish coastlines, making it a name that spans language and age. Meaning: "Goat" or "waves" Origin: Greek Type: First name (masculine) Usage regions: Greece Notable bearers: King Aegeus of Athens (mythological) Related names: Aegeus, Aegisthus