InGreek mythology, IodameorIodama (/aɪˈɒdəmiː/; Ancient Greek: ἸοδάμηorἸοδάμα probably means 'heifer calf of Io'[1]) was a Thessalian princess as the daughter of King ItonusofItoninPhthiotis. She was the granddaughter of Amphictyon.[2]
Iodame was the mother of ThebebyZeus[2] while some authors, adds a son, Deucalion.[3]
Iodame was a priestess at the temple of Athena Itonia built by her father. When she trespassed the precinct one night, Athena appeared in front of her; at the sight of Medusa's head which was worked in the goddess' garment, Iodame turned into a block of stone. After this, a priestess lit the fire on the altar every day, repeating thrice: "Iodame lives and demands fire".[4]
An alternate story of Athene and Iodama relates that both were daughters of Itonius. They became jealous of each other and started fighting, which resulted in Iodame being killed by Athena.[5] The story is similar to that of Athena and Pallas (daughter of Triton).
