LCT23: Myths of Thebes I

Question 1

How does Zeus get Europa?

Answer 1

abducts Europa in the form of a bull - carries her across sea to Crete

Question 2

Who is Zeus’ and Europa’s child?

Answer 2

Minos

Question 3

Who does King Agenor order to find his daughter?

Answer 3

his son (Europa’s brother) Cadmus

Question 4

Where does Cadmus and his men come across?

Answer 4

Delphi - Pythia tells Cadmus to forget Europa and to buy a cow - follow it it lies down and start a new city there

Question 5

What is the new city named?

Answer 5

Cadmeia

Question 6

What happen to the men when they go out to find some water for Cadmus?

Answer 6

find natural spring sacred to Ares protected by serpent which kills all of his men - Cadmus slays the serpent

Question 7

What does Athena tell Cadmus to do since he is alone?

Answer 7

to sow the serpents teeth to make “Spartoi” (not spartans)

Question 8

What does Cadmus do to the Spartoi? What happens?

Answer 8

throws a stone in their midst - fight ensure until only 5 are left

Question 9

What must Cadmus do for killing the serpent?

Answer 9

serve Ares for 8 years

Question 10

What do the gods give Cadmus?

Answer 10

Harmonia, daughter of Ares and Aphrodite

Question 11

What is given at Harmonia and Cadmus’ wedding?

Answer 11

Necklace for Harmonia by Hephaistos

Question 12

Who are Cadmus’ and Harmonia’s children?

Answer 12

Ino (driven insane by Hera)
Autonoe (mother of Actaion)
Semele (mother of Dionysos)
Agave (mother of Pentheus)

Question 13

The next four rulers after Cadmus and what happens with them

Answer 13

Pentheus –> destroyed by Agave/Dionysos
Labdacus –> a bastard grandson of Cadmus, does not rule long
Laius –> Labdacus’ son, just an infant can not rule
Lycus –> son of Chthenius, one of the Spartoi