A son of
Lycus (brother of Nycteus),
Lycus appears in Euripides's
Heracles. Originally from
Euboea, he seized power in
Ancient Thebes (Boeotia) by killing
Creon, who at the time was regent for the son of
Eteocles,
Laodamas. Lycus mistreated Creon's family, throwing them out of their house and depriving them food and clothing. However, Creon was the father-in-law of the hero
Heracles, who returned unexpectedly to Thebes and slew Lycus. Laodamas succeeded him as king.