Chus, by the Egyptians and Canaanites, was styled Or-Chus, and[[114]] Chus-Or: the latter of which was expressed by the Greeks, analogous to the examples above, Χρυσωρ, Chrusor: and we learn in Eusebius, from Philo, that Chrusor was one of the principal Deities of the Phenicians, a great benefactor to mankind; and by some supposed to have been the same as Hephaistus. Both the Tyrians and Sidonians were undoubtedly a mixed race, and preserved the memory of Ham, and Chus, equally with that of Canaan.
This name, so often rendered Chrusos, and Chrusor, was sometimes changed to Χρυσαωρ, Chrusaor: and occurs in many places where the Cuthites were known to have settled. We have been shewn that they were a long time in Egypt; and we read of a Chrusaor in those parts, who is said to have arisen from the blood of Medusa.
[[115]]Εξεθορε Χρυσαωρ τε μεγας, και Πηγασος ἱππος.
We meet with the same Chrusaor in the regions of Asia Minor, especially among the Carians. In these parts he was particularly worshipped, and said to have been the first deified mortal. The great Divan of that nation was called Chrusaorium; and there was a city [[116]]Chrusaoris, and a temple of the same name. [[117]]Εγγυς δε της πολεως το του Χρυσαορεως Διος κοινον ἁπαντων Καρων, εις ὁ συνιασι θυσαντες τε και βουλευσαμενοι. This city was properly called Chus-Or, and built in memory of the same person; as the city Chusora, called also [[118]]Cerchusora, in Egypt. It was undoubtedly founded by some of the same family, who in aftertimes worshipped their chief ancestor; as the Sidonians and Syrians did likewise. For this we have the testimony of Sanchoniathon; who, having mentioned the various benefits bestowed upon mankind by Chrusaor, says, at the conclusion, [[119]]Διο και ὡς θεον αυτον μετα θανατον εσεβασθησαν· for which reason, after his death, they worshipped him as a God. The first king of Iberia was named Chrusaor, the reputed father of [[120]]Geryon; and he is said to have been πολυχρυσος, a person of great wealth: all which is an Egyptian history, transferred from the Nile to the Bœtis.
[[121]]Χρυσαωρ δ' ετεκε τρικαρηνον Γηρυονηα,
Μιχθεις Χαλλιροῃ κουρῃ κλυτου Ωκεανοιο.
Geryon of Spain was, according to this mythology of the poet, the son of Chrusaor; and Chrusaor was confessedly of Egyptian original: so that, whatever the fable may allude to, it must have been imported into Bœtica from Egypt by some of the sons of Chus. The Grecians borrowed this term, and applied it to Apollo; and from this epithet, Chrusaor, he was denominated the God of the golden sword. Homer accordingly styles him, [[122]]Απολλωνα Χρυσαορα: and, speaking of Apollo's infancy, he says, [[123]]Ουδ' αρ' Απολλωνα Χρυσαορα θησατο μητηρ: and Diana is termed [[124]]Αυτοκασιγνητη Χρυσαορος Απολλωνος.
This title cannot possibly relate to the implement supposed: for it would be idle to style an infant the God of the golden sword. It was a weapon, which at no time was ascribed to him: nor do I believe, that he is ever represented with one either upon a gem, or a marble. He is described as wishing for a harp, and for a bow.
[[125]]Ειη μοι κιθαρις τε φιλη, και καμπυλα τοξα.
And his mother is said to have been pleased that she produced him to the world an archer: