During ancient times in Phaistos, Crete, a couple was expecting a child. Ligdus, a proud man, wanted a boy, as he and his wife, Telethusa, could not afford a dowry for a daugther. Therefore, Ligdus threatened that any female child of his would be put to death. Telethusa tried to get her husband to change his mind, in vain. Ligdus remained stoic and Telethusa lived in the fear that her possible female child would be murdered upon her birth.