In Greek mythology Phrixus was the son of Athamas, king of Boeotia, and Nephele (a goddess of clouds).Phrixus and Helle were hated by their stepmother, Ino. She hatched a devious plot to get rid of the twins. Ino bribed the men sent to the oracle to lie and tell the others that the oracle required the sacrifice of Phrixus and Helle. Before they were killed, though, Phrixus and Helle were rescued by a flying, or swimming, ram with golden wool sent by Nephele, their natural mother.