Definition: Erectheus, who is mixed up in tradition with Erichthonius, was the autochthonous founder of Athens. Erechtheus named the city after the goddess Athena. Athena (along with Gaia, the Earth) was Erechtheus' mother.
Erechtheus sacrificed his daughters to save his country.
Trident-wielding Poseidon destroyed him, in some versions, but subsequently they were reconciled and Erechtheus was deified, his palace becoming a temple (the Erechtheum).
Erechtheus is treated as one of the tutelary gods of Athens and the Erechtheum is named in his honor.
See: Children of Athena for a coherent treatment of the Erechtheus story.
Also Known As: Erichthonios
Examples:
Erichthonios or Erechtheus is the epnonymous hero of Athens since the Athenians were called "Erchtheids" in poetry.