Heraclides
/hɪˈræk.lɪ.diːz/noun
A name for the legendary descendants of Heracles, especially the ruling dynasties that claimed descent from him.
Did you know?The Heraclid myth helped Dorian rulers, including Sparta’s royal houses, legitimize their rule by portraying conquest as the gods’ destined return.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*ḱlew-
“To hear; to be spoken of or renowned—the root behind the fame element in Heracles.”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kléos
“Glory, fame, or renown.”
Archaic Greek
Greek
Hēraklēs
“Heracles, traditionally interpreted as “glory of Hera.””
Classical Greek
Greek
Hērakleídai
“The Heraclids: descendants or followers of Heracles.”
Latin
Latin
Heraclidae
“The descendants of Heracles, borrowed from Greek historical and mythological usage.”
Modern English
English
Heraclides
“A collective name for Heracles’ legendary descendants or dynastic claimants.”