Theban Saga Flashcards
Founding of Thebes
Founded by Cadmus, son of Agenor (king of Tyre) sister to Europa. Biggest city of Boetian plains
Europa
seduced by Zeus (in bull form) mother of Minos. Brother to Cadmus.
Cadmus
Looking for Europa, got oracle. Was told by Apollo to follow a cow, and build a city where it lay to rest. Built Thebes
Spartoi
Cadmus killed a snake sacred to Ares, guarding a river. On Athena’s advice, he took the snake’s teeth and buried them. 10 men sprang up, 5 were killed in the ensuing combat. The other 5 were the Spartoi, founders of the royal families of Thebes
Harmonia
daughter of Ares and Aphrodite, married to Cadmus after he paid off his debt to Ares.
Antiope
Family of Labdacus. loved by Zeus, while pregnant fled to Sicyon to escape anger of father (Nycteus) who killed himself. Mother of Amphion and Zethus
Amphion and Zethus
sons of Antiope, killed Lycus and his wife Dirce, in revenge at mistreatment of their mother. Became rulers of Cadmeia, which was renamed Thebes after Zethus’ wife; Thebe
Laius
Son of Pentheus, rightful heir to throne of Thebes, exiled by Amphion and Zethus. Father of Oedipus
Exile of Laius
received Xenios by Pelops, king of Elis. He abducted Pelos’ son (who he was in love with) named Chrysippus. His lineage was cursed, hence Oedipus saga
Pelops
Gave hospitality to Laius,. Father of Chrysippus
Chrysippus
Son of Pelops, abducted by Laius
Oedipus (lineage and birth)
Son of Laius and Jocasta, after prophecy was left to die in wilderness with spikes in his heels. Instead given to Polybus, King of Corinth by shepherd
Polybus
husband of Merope. King of Corinth. Raised Oedipus
Merope
wife of Polybus. Queen of Corinth. Raised Oedipus.
Sphinx and defeat
sphinx sent by hera, plaguing Thebes. Creon promised his sister (jocasta) and throne to anyone who could defeat it.
Recognition of Oedipus
Plague falls on Thebes, oracle: “b/c Laius’ murderer still here” Polybus dies, people want Oedipus to be king of Corinth, refuses b/c of prophecy. Old shepherd tells him he is not Corinthian
Children of Jocasta and Oedipus
Antigone & Ismene (girls)
Polynices &Eteocles (boys)
Aftermath of Recognition of Oedipus
Jocasta hangs herself, Oedipus blinds himself with her brooch
Curse of Polynices and Eteocles
by their father, Oedipus. Served him disrespectful portions, and on Laius’ plates. Curse: kill eachother, always fight always be in conflict
the Seven against Thebes (the people)
Adrastus, Polynices, Tydeus, Hippomedon, Parthenopaeus and Amphiaraus
Reason for the 7 against Thebes
Polynices was banished, because Eteocles wouldn’t give him the kingship as per their agreement, met Tydeus, married daughters of the king of Argos, Adrastus. Went to Thebes to restore Polynices to the throne
Tydeus
friend of Polynices, one of the 7
Adrastus
King of Argos, father in law to Polynices && Tydeus. One of the 7 against Thebes
the 7 and the Nemean games
They killed a serpent who had killed a royal child, celebrated in his honor, the celebration became the Nemean games eventually
