Abas, son of Lynceus

In Greek mythology, Abas was the son of Lynceus of the royal family of Argos, and Hypermnestra, the last of the Danaides. His name derives from a Semitic word for 'father'.

Abas founded the city of Abae, Phocis, now in modern day central Greece. He was said to be so fearsome a warrior that even after his death, enemies of his royal household could be put to flight simply by the sight of his former shield.

With his wife Ocalea (or Aglaea, depending on the source), he had three sons: the twins Acrisius and Proetus, and Lyrcos, and one daughter, Idomene. He bequeathed his kingdom to Acrisius and Proetus, bidding them to rule alternately, but they quarrelled even while they still shared their mother's womb.

References

* The Greek Myths, Robert Graves, London: Penguin, 1955; Baltimore: Penguin, 1955. ISBN 0140010262