Irlandos at 10:58, January 28, 2006

2006-01-28T10:58:42Z

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In [[Greek mythology]], '''Creon''', or '''Kreon''' ("ruler"), son of [[Menoeceus]], was the father of [[Haemon]] and [[Megara]] by his wife, [[Eurydice]]. Also occasionally the uncle of [[Amphitryon]].

When [[Oedipus]] stepped down as King of [[Thebes]], he gave the kingdom to his two sons, [[Eteocles]] and [[Polynices]], who both agreed to alternate the throne every year. However, they showed no concern for their father, who cursed them for their negligence. After the first year, Eteocles refused to step down and Polynices attacked Thebes with his supporters (the [[Seven Against Thebes]]). Both brothers died in the battle. King Creon, who ascended to the throne of Thebes, decreed that Polynices was not to be buried. [[Antigone]], Polynices' sister, defied the order, but was caught. Creon decreed that she was to be buried alive, this in spite of her betrothal to his son [[Haemon]]. Antigone's sister, [[Ismene]], then declared she had aided Antigone and wanted the same fate. The gods, through the blind prophet [[Teiresias]], expressed their disapproval of Creon's decision, which convinced him to rescind his order, and he went to bury Polynices himself. However, Antigone had already hanged herself rather than be buried alive. When Creon arrived at the tomb where she was to be interred, Haemon attacked him and then killed himself. When Creon's wife, [[Eurydice]], was informed of her son's death she too took her own life, her last words cursing Creon.

See also [[Epigonoi]].

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[[Category:Greek mythological people]]

Creon - Revision history

Irlandos at 10:58, January 28, 2006