Home > Myths and Legends of the World > Orion

Orion was a giant hunter in Greek mythology. Some stories say he was the son of Zeusin Greek mythology, king of the gods and husband of Hera (Roman god Jupiter), PoseidonGreek god, ruler of the sea, and brother of Zeus (Roman god Neptune), or Hermesin Greek mythology, the messenger of the gods; escorted the dead to the underworld (Roman god Mercury). Others claim that he was born from a bull's hide that was buried after the king of Boeotia urinated on it.

Orion went to the island of Chios, where King Oenopion asked him to drive all the wild beasts from the land. In return, Oenopion promised Orion his daughter Merope in marriage. However, the king later refused to honor the agreement. Orion got drunk and raped Merope, and Oenopion blinded him....