Cleostratus (mythology)

Cleostratus is a figure mentioned in Greek mythology, though details about him are scant and often contradictory, leading to some ambiguity in his role and significance. He is most commonly associated with the myth of Procrustes. In some accounts, Cleostratus is identified as the father of Procrustes, the infamous iron bed-maker who tortured travelers to fit his beds, stretching them if they were too short and lopping off limbs if they were too long. Theseus, in his journey of establishing safety and justice, eventually killed Procrustes using the same methods he inflicted on his victims.

However, other versions of the Procrustes myth either omit Cleostratus entirely or provide different parentage for the brigand. The connection between Cleostratus and Procrustes is therefore not universally accepted within classical sources.

Due to the limited and sometimes conflicting information available, it is difficult to create a comprehensive or definitive portrait of Cleostratus within Greek mythology. His primary importance stems from his (contested) role as the father of a notorious villain, rather than from any independent deeds or narratives associated directly with him. His inclusion in various accounts largely serves to provide a lineage for Procrustes.