Eteocles

Greek mythology

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June 26, 2026

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In Greek mythology, Eteocles was one of the twin sons of Oedipus, the cursed king of Thebes. After Oedipus's fall, Eteocles and his brother, Polyneices, failed to agree on succession to the throne. They decided to rule in alternate years, with Eteocles ruling first.12

When Eteocles refused to relinquish the throne to Polyneices, Polyneices fled to Argos. He gathered an army of seven champions, including himself, to attack Thebes. During the assault on the city's seven gates, both Eteocles and Polyneices killed each other, fulfilling their father's curse. This conflict is famously depicted in the story of the "Seven Against Thebes".1

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Antigone
…to reconcile their quarreling brothers—Eteocles, who was defending the city and his crown, and Polyneices, who was attacking Thebes. Both brothers, however, were killed, and their uncle Creon became king. After performing an elaborate funeral service for Eteocles, he forbade the removal of the corpse of Polyneices, condemning it…
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…to reconcile their quarreling brothers—Eteocles, who was defending the city and his crown, and Polyneices, who was attacking Thebes. Both brothers, however, were killed, and their uncle Creon became king. After performing an elaborate funeral service for Eteocles, he forbade the removal of the corpse of Polyneices, condemning it…
Read More

Seven Against Thebes
The twins Eteocles and Polyneices, who had been cursed by their father, Oedipus, failed to agree on which of them was to succeed to the Theban throne and decided to rule in alternate years. As Eteocles’ turn came first, Polyneices withdrew to Argos, where he married Argeia,…
Read More
The twins Eteocles and Polyneices, who had been cursed by their father, Oedipus, failed to agree on which of them was to succeed to the Theban throne and decided to rule in alternate years. As Eteocles’ turn came first, Polyneices withdrew to Argos, where he married Argeia,…
Read More