Editing Salmoneus (section)

==Inspiration==
According to Frazer, the early Greek kings, who were expected to produce rain for the benefit of the crops, were in the habit of imitating thunder and lightning in the character of Zeus.<ref>Frazer, ''Early History of the Kingship'' 1905</ref><ref>see also ''Golden Bough'', i., 1900, p. 82</ref> At [[Crannon]] in [[Ancient Thessaly|Thessaly]], there was a bronze chariot which in time of drought was shaken and prayers offered for rain.<ref>[[Antigonus of Carystus]], ''Historiae mirabiles'' 15</ref> S. Reinach<ref>S. Reinach ''Revue archéologique'', 1903, i. 154</ref> suggests that the story that Salmoneus was struck by lightning was due to the misinterpretation of a picture, in which a Thessalian magician appeared bringing down lightning and rain from heaven. Hence arose the idea that he was the victim of the anger or jealousy of Zeus and that the picture represented his punishment.<ref name=ws/>