Irlandos at 22:46, January 28, 2006

2006-01-28T22:46:25Z

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In [[Greek mythology]], '''Polyneices''' was the son of [[Oedipus]] and [[Jocasta]]. His wife was [[Argea]].

When Oedipus stepped down as King of [[Thebes]], he gave the kingdom to his two sons, [[Eteocles]] and Polyneices, 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 Polyneices attacked Thebes with his supporters (the [[Seven Against Thebes]]). Both brothers died in the battle. Polyneices engendered the support of [[Amphiaraus]] by offering his wife [[Eriphyle]] the necklace of [[Harmonia (Greek_goddess)|Harmonia]].

Polyneices' story continues, somewhat, after his death. King [[Creon]], who ascended to the throne of Thebes, decreed that Polyneices was not to be buried. [[Antigone]], his sister, defied the order, but was caught. Creon decreed that she was to starve to death, 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. Creon imprisoned Antigone in a sepulchre; meanwhile the gods, through the blind prophet [[Tiresias]], expressed their disapproval of Creon's decision, which convinced him to rescind his order. He then went to bury Polyneices himself, and release Antigone. However, she had already hanged herself rather than be buried alive. When Creon arrived at the tomb where she was to be interred, his son [[Haemon]] made as if to attack him and then killed himself. When Creon's wife, [[Eurydice]], was informed of their death, she, too, took her own life.

==See also==
* [[Epigoni]]

{{Credit wikipedia}}

[[Category:Greek mythological people]]

Polyneices - Revision history

Irlandos at 22:46, January 28, 2006