Story Summary
Explore the tragic Greek myth The Seven Against Thebes. Follow the bloody siege where brothers Eteocles and Polynices battle for the throne of a cursed city.
After the exile of Oedipus, his sons Eteocles and Polynices agreed to rule Thebes in alternating years. However, when the first year ended, Eteocles refused to surrender the throne. Enraged, Polynices fled to Argos, where he raised an army led by seven champions to reclaim his birthright. Each hero was assigned to attack one of the seven gates of Thebes. Despite the warnings of the seer Amphiaraus, who foresaw their doom, the Seven attacked with ferocity. The siege was brutal, and the city’s defenders fought with equal desperation. Ultimately, the conflict culminated in a tragic duel between the two brothers, who struck each other down simultaneously. Of the seven attackers, only King Adrastus escaped with his life, leaving Thebes scarred by fratricide and the hubris of its fallen princes.
The Moral
Ambition fueled by vengeance often leads to mutual destruction and the ruin of those involved.
“By the sword you shall divide your inheritance.”
Fun Fact
This myth was the subject of a famous tragedy by Aeschylus in 467 BC, which focused on the spiritual and political turmoil of the city under siege.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Seven Against Thebes?
The story warns that greed for power and familial betrayal lead to inevitable tragedy. It highlights how the cycle of vengeance can destroy an entire lineage and endanger an entire city.
Who were the seven leaders in the myth?
The primary leaders included Polynices, Adrastus, Amphiaraus, Tydeus, Capaneus, Parthenopaeus, and Hippomedon. They were gathered from Argos and surrounding regions to help Polynices reclaim his throne.
Why did the two brothers kill each other?
Eteocles and Polynices were cursed by their father, Oedipus, to divide their inheritance by the sword. Their mutual pride and refusal to share power led them to a final duel where both died.
Which of the Seven Against Thebes survived?
King Adrastus of Argos was the only one of the seven champions to survive the battle. He escaped on his divine winged horse, Arion, while the others perished during the failed siege.
How does this story relate to the Antigone myth?
The play 'Antigone' begins immediately after this battle ends. It focuses on the aftermath where Creon forbids the burial of Polynices, leading to the tragic defiance of their sister, Antigone.
What happened to the sons of the fallen Seven?
A decade later, the sons of the original seven heroes, known as the Epigoni, launched a second expedition against Thebes. Unlike their fathers, they were successful in capturing and destroying the city.
