ADMETUS

[Greek] The king of Pherae in Thessaly. Apollo, banned from Olympus, served as his shepherd for nine years. Because he had been treated well, the god granted Admetus a favor; upon his dying hour, another could take his place. Admetus fell in love with Alcestis, but her father, King Pelias, would only give permission if Admetus would come for her in a chariot drawn by lions and boars. With Apollo's help, he succeeded. When Admetus' final hour had come, Alcestis chose to die in his place. However, Heracles, who was present at that time, intervened, and Alcestis was reunited with her husband.