Procrustes

Procrustes was a figure from Greek mythology, known for his role as a rogue smith and bandit. He resided along the sacred way between Athens and Eleusis in ancient Greece. Procrustes had a peculiar way of "welcoming" his guests; he offered them a bed that he claimed would fit any visitor perfectly. However, this hospitality was a ruse. If the guest was too short for the bed, Procrustes would stretch them on a rack to fit. Conversely, if they were too tall, he would cut off their legs to ensure a perfect fit. This brutal practice of enforcing conformity at any cost has given rise to the term "Procrustean bed," symbolizing forced standardization or uniformity.

The legend of Procrustes is closely associated with the hero Theseus, who encountered Procrustes on his journey from Troezen to Athens. Theseus turned the tables on Procrustes, subjecting him to his own method of making guests fit the bed, thus ending the reign of terror of Procrustes. This act was one of several deeds by Theseus that established him as a great hero in Greek mythology, akin to his slaying of the Minotaur in the Labyrinth of Crete.

The story of Procrustes illustrates the dangers of extreme conformity and the violence inherent in trying to force people or ideas into a rigid mold. It serves as a metaphorical warning against the imposition of arbitrary standards without regard for individual differences.

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  Theseus and Procrustes

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  The Modern Bed of Procrustes