Aristaeus is a figure from Greek mythology, described as a rustic god or hero. He is the son of Apollo and the nymph Cyrene. As a mythological culture hero, he is credited with introducing vital agricultural and pastoral arts to humanity.

No written treatise or philosophical corpus is attributed to Aristaeus. His legacy is defined by oral tradition, which credits him with the discovery and teaching of practical skills such as beekeeping, olive cultivation, cheesemaking, and hunting.

Aristaeus embodies the archetype of the culture hero who civilizes human life through practical knowledge. His myths provide etiological explanations for the origins of essential technologies. He received cult worship in regions including Thessaly, Ceos, and Sicily. There is no evidence for his historical existence as an author.