When he grew up, Aeacus became the island's king. Because of his parentage, Aeacus was hated by [[Hera]], wife of Zeus. She sent a terrible plague or drought that killed many of the island's people. Aeachus travelled to the temple of Zeus. He prayed that Zeus send rain and that he make Aegina's people as numerous as a nearby troop of ants. Zeus sent rain and miraculously transformed the ants into men. These were the [[Myrmidons]], legendary warriors of Aegina named for the ant (''myrmex''). | When he grew up, Aeacus became the island's king. Because of his parentage, Aeacus was hated by [[Hera]], wife of Zeus. She sent a terrible plague or drought that killed many of the island's people. Aeachus travelled to the temple of Zeus. He prayed that Zeus send rain and that he make Aegina's people as numerous as a nearby troop of ants. Zeus sent rain and miraculously transformed the ants into men. These were the [[Myrmidons]], legendary warriors of Aegina named for the ant (''myrmex''). |