PHOCUS

in Greek mythology, the son of Aeacus, king of Aegina, and the Nereid Psamathe, who had assumed the likeness of a seal (Greek: phoce) in trying to escape Aeacus' embraces. Peleus and Telamon, Aeacus' legitimate sons, resented Phocus' superior athletic prowess. At the instigation of their mother, Endeis, they plotted his death, drawing lots to decide which should destroy him. The lot fell on Telamon, who murdered Phocus, feigning an accident. Aeacus, however, discovered the truth and banished both his sons.