Source edition
Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. III. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1920-1978)
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This Greek tragedy depicts the brutal conflict between Eteocles and Polyneices, the two sons of Oedipus, as they fight for the throne of Thebes. Their mother, Jocasta, attempts to mediate a reconciliation between Polyneices, who has marched on his homeland with an Argive army, and Eteocles, who refuses to yield his royal power. However, the brothers' mutual hatred and ambition lead to a complete breakdown of negotiations, plunging the city into war. As the battle rages, the young Menoeceus sacrifices himself to save the city, leading to a fierce clash that culminates in a duel between the two brothers. Ultimately, the brothers slay each other, and their grief-stricken mother takes her own life. The play concludes with the newly empowered Creon exiling the blind Oedipus, while Antigone resolutely chooses to accompany her father into exile, highlighting the relentless tragedy of the house of Oedipus.