The Taking of Thebes
After the brothers' deaths, both armies continued fighting until only King Adrastus survived. He waited until the fallen heroes' sons were old enough, then led the Epigoni (descendants) against Thebes. The young warriors succeeded where their fathers failed, capturing Thebes and putting Polynices's son Thersander on the throne. But his insane sons caused the Thebans to choose a new family. Both Antigone (executed for burying her brother) and Ismene (died of grief) perished, ending Oedipus's accursed line.
The Text
What You'll Learn
Comprehension
Notes the armies kept fighting after the brothers died
Cause & Consequence
Explains why Adrastus waited: needed sons to grow up to fight
Significance
Explains that Greeks believed in avenging family deaths
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