 The lack of a male heir is an essential part of the story of Herodotus regarding the birth and upbringing of Cyrus, an account that is universally recognized as an adaptation of widespread myths about rejected sons becoming king.The animosity between Cyrus and Astyages that led to Cyrus' rebellion is an integral part of that myth.The rebellion is generally accepted as true by modern historians, as it is supported by other texts such as the Nabonidus Chronicle.