Celeus (Crete)

Celeus is a figure from Greek mythology associated with the island of Crete. According to some accounts, he was one of the Curetes, the mythical guardians of the infant Zeus. The Curetes were tasked with protecting Zeus from his father, Cronus, who sought to devour his children. They accomplished this by clashing their spears and shields, creating a din that masked the cries of the baby Zeus. Celeus, as one of the Curetes, played a role in this crucial event in Greek mythology.

Alternatively, Celeus may be conflated or associated with figures of the same name from Eleusis, where Celeus was the father of Triptolemus and a host to Demeter. It is possible the name "Celeus" was a title or a common name used in certain religious or tribal contexts, leading to different mythical figures sharing the same designation in separate regions and myths. The Cretan Celeus, therefore, is primarily known for his connection to the mythology surrounding the birth and protection of Zeus on the island.