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In Greek mythology, Dirce was the wife of Lycus, king of Thebes. She was known for her cruelty towards Antiope, the mother of Amphion and Zethus, whom Dirce had abandoned. Antiope's sons eventually found her, recognized her, and deposed Lycus, killing Dirce in the process. This act led to Antiope's madness, attributed to Dionysus, to whom Dirce was devoted. Dirce is listed among other figures in Greek mythology, such as Circe, a sorceress known for her ability to transform humans into animals.123

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