[2][3] According to a Greek myth, Caranus was the son of Temenus,[4] king of Argos, who in turn was a Heraclid, a descendant of Heracles.

Finally, he discovered a green valley, with a lot of game and goats, whereupon he thought that the prophecy of Pythia had been fulfilled.

Thus he built a city there, which he named Aigai (Greek: Αἰγαί), present day Vergina, a site of substantial archaeological activity, as numerous important findings have been unearthed.

According to Justin (7.1) citing Marsyas of Pella Caranus also came to Emathia with a large band of Greeks, being instructed by an oracle to seek a home in Macedonia.

Here, following a herd of goats running from a downpour, he seized the city of Edessa, the inhabitants being taken unawares because of heavy rain and dense fog.