In Greek mythology, the illegitimate son of Thyestes who murdered Agamemnon and became king of Argos.
From Greek Aigisthos, a character name from ancient mythology. The name likely derives from aigis (protection/goatskin) with an unknown suffix, though its mythological etymology is lost.
Aegisthus is basically ancient Greek's version of a soap opera villain—he seduced Agamemnon's wife Clytemnestra while the great king was away at Troy, then murdered him in the bath. His story inspired some of the greatest tragedies ever written, including works by Aeschylus and Sophocles.
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