Aetolus (son of Endymion)

Aetolus, in Greek mythology, was a son of Endymion and either Asterodia, Chromia, or Hyperippe. He was a king of Elis, though his lineage and reign are largely overshadowed by the story of his exile and the subsequent founding of Aetolia.

Aetolus participated in funeral games held in honor of Azan, son of Arcas. During these games, he accidentally killed Apis, the son of Phoroneus (or, in some versions, Jason), with a chariot. As punishment for this accidental homicide, he was forced to flee Elis.

He subsequently traveled north and settled in a region previously called Curetis, which he renamed Aetolia in his own honor. He became the eponym and legendary founder of the Aetolian people. Aetolia, known for its rugged terrain and fierce inhabitants, played a significant role in later Greek history, particularly during the Hellenistic period.

His descendants and the subsequent history of Aetolia are interwoven with the broader narratives of Greek mythology and history. While Aetolus's life is primarily characterized by the accidental killing and subsequent founding of Aetolia, his legacy is tied to the identity and history of the Aetolian League.