Sobs and wails over gore-covered babes, just nursed at their mothers' breasts, resound. And even now I do not think that she is standing by his side to aid the destruction of his fatherland. Next I describe the fifth man who is stationed at the fifth, the Northern gate opposite the tomb of Amphion, Zeus's son. Hear us, hear, as is right, the prayers we maidens offer with outstretched hands. Last modified May 25, 2018. Submitted by Donald L. Wasson, published on 25 May 2018. May the gods destroy them here in our land! [158] Ah! [875] Ah, pity you senseless men, whom friends could not persuade and evils could not wear down! [809] Are they lying out there? Eteocles responds by deciding who will be in charge of defending each of those gates. Nor am I ashamed to act in defiant opposition to the rulers of the city. I hear the rattle of chariots encircling the town. Most people in the audience would have been well-aware of the myth surrounding Oedipus and the curse of King Laius. [977] O Fate, giver of grievous troubles, and awful shade of Oedipus, black Erinys, you are indeed a mighty force. And the rim of the hollow-bellied shield is fastened all around with snaky braids. (101). 2. ETEOCLES Brother of Polynices, son of Oedipus and Jocasta, goes first in ruling Thebes, drives Polynices out, stabs Polynices with spear and strips him of his armor, but is killed when he . No symbol was fixed to his shield's circle. [1053] For a long time now the gods have ceased to hold him in honor. But I am afraid and turn away in terror of the citizens. He was one of the seven leaders that attacked the seven gates of Thebes; he was assigned to attack the Neistan gates. Plot Summary of Seven Against Thebes by Aeschylus. And so, until today, God has been favorably inclined, for though we have long been under siege, the war has gone well for the most part through the gods' will. Seven Against Thebes is the third part of a trilogy written by one of the greatest of the Greek tragedians, Aeschylus in 467 BCE, winning first prize in competition at Dionysia. The one has fire-breathing Typhon, while father Zeus stands upright on Hyperbius' shield, his lightening bolt aflame in his hand. Will you betray your own land, Ares, where you have dwelt since long ago? CHORUS In the final outcome the Curses have raised their piercing cry, now that the family is turned to flight in all directions. What is the Seven Against Thebes in general terms? Suppliant Women, 4 - 6. 13. [871] Ah, sisters most unfortunate in your kin of all women who clasp their girdle about their robes, I weep, I groan, and there is no feigning in the shrill cries that come straight from my heart. And regarding this "night" which you describe on his shield, sparkling with heaven's starsperhaps the folly of it might yield to one some prophetic understanding. 807-995.The chorus reiterates the conclusion of the boys' father's curse. CHORUS They hold in misery their allotted portion of god-given sorrows. We come to you, crying out in prayers for your divine ears. Narrative Topography in Aeschylus' Seven against Thebes 11 these names to actual gates in Thebes. [233] By the will of the gods we inhabit an unconquered city, and the rampart withstands the enemy throng. Narrative Topography in Aeschylus' Seven against Thebes 11 these names to actual gates in Thebes. As with Sophocles' play Antigone declares: yet will I bury him and take the danger on my head alone when that is done. Eteocles warns them again to restrain their panic and then goes off a tangent about the weakness of women. ANTIGONE [945] Ruthless, too, was Ares, the cruel divider of their property, who made their father's curses come true. ETEOCLES World History Encyclopedia. "The Seven Against Thebes Summary". [716] And yet any victory, even a cowardly one, is nonetheless held in honor by God. The chorus says it heard the army at the gates and was afraid and is asking the gods for help since it is in the power of gods to do what humans can't. They all watch as the men do battle at the third, fourth, fifth, and sixth gates. Oedipus chases after Jocasta to kill her. [692] A savage desire eats away at you, drives you to murder, blood-sacrifice proscribed by divine law, whose only fruit is bitterness. [120] The Argives encircle the citadel of Cadmus. Eteocles listens as the messenger speaks of the might of first enemy champion but quickly dismisses the threat, no equipment of man will make him tremble. Considered the father of Greek tragedy, Aeschylus was born around 525 BCE into an aristocratic family of Eleusis, an area west of central Athens. Mad Ares storms, subduing the people and polluting reverence. Aeschylus describes him as very large and powerful. Aeschylus. Speaking to the chorus, Eteocles is angry and says there are many in the city who are afraid, accusing them of being spiritless cowards. In frenzy like a maenad I make my song for the grave as I hear of their corpses dripping with blood, how they died through the workings of cruel fate. [766] For the compensation is heavy when curses uttered long ago are fulfilled, and once the deadly curse has come into existence, it does not pass away. [1055] He suffered evil and gave evil in return. Will not the avenging Erinys in her dark aegis leave your house, when the gods receive sacrifice from your hands? For should night fall on this man's eyes as he dies, then to its bearer this arrogant symbol would prove rightly and justly named; and it is against himself that he will have prophesied this outrageous violence. For after the blessed gods and powerful Zeus, he it was who saved the city of the Cadmeans from being capsized and flooded by a wave of foreign menhe beyond all others. "Plot Summary of Seven Against Thebes by Aeschylus." You, at least, Eteocles, will have many mourners, while he, wretched man, departs without lamentation and has a dirge sung only by one sister. [949] Ah, you have wreathed your race with many troubles! He has the wisdom of an old man, but his body is at its prime: his eyes are quick, and he does not let his hand delay for his spear to seize what is left exposed by the shield. [854] But sail upon the wind of lamentation, my friends, and about your head row with your hands' rapid stroke in conveyance of the dead,17 that stroke which always causes the sacred slack-sailed, black-clothed ship to pass over Acheron to the unseen land where Apollo does not walk, the sunless land that receives all men. Eteocles, son of Oedipus and ruler of Thebes as a result of his fathers exile, has sent out a call for every man of every age to arrive in the city prepared for battle. (79-80). He acknowledges the curse of his father, Oedipus, but Eteocles says that fate will determine the outcome, and if the gods are determined that he shall be destroyed, then this will happen. I declare that the dead will do better than the captives; for when a city is subduedah, ah!many and miserable are its sufferings. The tragedy of Aeschylus "The Seven Against Thebes" was first staged in 467 BC. O Erinyes, far-famed destroyers of families, goddesses of death who have thus laid ruin to the family of Oedipus, digging it up from the roots! [250] Won't you be silent, and speak none of this throughout the city? ETEOCLES The Persians, 2. They pray to the gods for help so they don't become enslaved. because it was sung during the combat of the brothers: It was for a tomb I framed my song when, inspired by frenzy, I heard (prophetically) . The seven pairs are: Parthenopaeus maiden-faced. His mother Atalanta dwelt on Mt. Why is Thebes called the city of the seven gates? What is happening to our city? The basic question is this: do the names preserve the memory of actual fortifications, or are they purely the Antigone responds that if none of the Cadmeans will bury Polynices, then she will. Of the 76 plays he is known to have written only seven survive--1. Indeed, in exact accordance with their name and as men of much strife, they have perished through their impious intent. What shall I say? CHORUS [785] Next he launched brutal, wrathful words against the sons he had bredah! With my own hands I will cover him overlet no one decree it otherwise. 15. [1072] Let the city take action or not take action against those who lament for Polynices. [568] The sixth man I will name is of the highest moderation and a seer brave in combat, mighty Amphiaraus. 1045-1070.The Chorus reviews the situation and decides to go help Antigone with the illicit burial of Polynices. Cite This Work Artemis: Artemis is the Greek goddess of the hunt. Put an end to your big talk. [260] If only you would grant my plea for a small service. 686. Like the "Persians", it entered one of the tetralogies, which did not reach us. [369] The scout, I believe, is bringing some fresh news of the army to us, my friends, since the joints of his legs are hastily speeding as they carry him on his mission. [254] You would enslave both me and all the city. He has this haughty symbol on his shield: a well-crafted sky, ablaze with stars, and the brightness of the full moon shining in the center of the shield, the moon that is the most revered of the stars, the eye of night. But his boast is too proud for a mere human, and he makes terrifying threats against our battlementswhich, I hope, chance will not fulfil! As the souls of the brothers are now being conveyed across Acheron in Charon's boat, the Chorus in imagination aid their passage by the ritual of mourning. There is controversy about whether the last episode in the play was a later interpolation. 7. Eteocles claims that Tydeus's weaponry is just for show and will be useless in battle. Am I speaking to the deaf? His team of horses eager to attack the wall, strain . [Quickly determine yourself whom you think it best to send.] Our latest articles delivered to your inbox, once a week: Numerous educational institutions recommend us, including Oxford University. Therefore, there are relatively few characters: Sign up for our free weekly email newsletter! With the war at a stalemate, Eteocles, the last hope of Thebes, fights his brother at gate seven where both are killed. [961] You suffering made you wretched. Prior to his birth, his father, King Laius, is foretold by an oracle that his son will one day kill him. Trusting in this fact I will go and stand against himI myself in person. [812] Yes, so all too equal was their destiny to them both. O Gods born of Zeus, by every means rescue our city and people, sprung from Cadmus! Father Zeus, all-accomplishing, fend from us altogether capture at the hands of the enemy. After the exile of Oedipus, the brothers agree to share the throne of Thebes; each would serve alternate one-year reigns. [989] Kindred sorrows full of groans! Will you not endure these events in silence? Haste makes his stride uneven, too. We want people all over the world to learn about history. The ominous seventh is substituted for the Highest (Hupsistai). The Seven Against Thebes is the third part of Aeschylus' trilogy about Thebes. They all leave to bury the bodies. ETEOCLES Attendants bring in the bodies of the two slain brothers. 1-77. [717] A soldier must not embrace that maxim. CHORUS In this highly condensed passage, contrasted with the note of the misery of an enforced union is an undertone of the happiness of a marriage of love. Tydeus' insolence (l. 387) was gain to our cause; to it is now added that of Capaneus, which is like money put out at interest (tokos). Gill, N.S. They behave as though the city is collapsing. The bodies arrive, followed by Ismene and Antigone, sisters to each other and to both the dead brothers. Unfortunately, the soldier sent to perform the deed could not, and by a stroke of luck, the child is raised by the king of Corinth and his wife. AESCHYLUS was a Greek tragedian who flourished in Athens in the early C5th B.C. ANTIGONE [39] Eteocles, mighty prince of the Cadmeans, I have returned with a sure report of the army outside the walls; I myself am an eyewitness of their actions. He began writing about this same time, winning his first victory in 484 BCE. [271] [Here Eteocles makes his vow.] CHORUS 274-355.Still worried, they pray to the gods to spread panic among the enemy. I will suffer what is destined together with the others. We are thankful for their contributions and encourage you to make yourown. Now truly their blood is one. ISMENE Eteocles says that he, the ruler steers the ship of state. Seven Against Thebes: Beginning. The Spy says that the Argive warriors are at the walls of Thebes about to choose which gate to man. Eteocles returns just as a messenger arrives with news of the enemy; each Argive champion stands at his appointed gate. You can help us out by revising, improving and updating For if we succeed, the responsibility is heaven's; but ifmay it not happendisaster is our lot, Eteocles would be the one name shouted many times throughout the city in the citizens' resounding uproars and laments. [Exit.]. [103] I see the clashit is not the clatter of a single spear. The Chorus enters in fearful agitation.]. The Herald warns her not to be disobedient to the state and Antigone warns the Herald not to order her about. CHORUS He removes his mothers dress pins and stabs them into his eyes to blind himself. [718] But are you willing to harvest the blood of your own brother? A torrent of men, their helmet plumes tossing, crashes around the city, sped on by the blasts of Ares. (Eteocles, the Spy or Messenger or Scout). He speaks to them in a tone of comfort. (81). Sexton, Timothy. This apparently does the trick and the Chorus finally agrees to hold back. ETEOCLES More books than SparkNotes. Although mentioned by name, Polynices does not appear or speak in the play. Why do we delay, who are much to be lamented? Eteoclus was the son of Iphis in Greek mythology, and one of the participants in the battle of the Seven Against Thebes. Study Resources. His prayer is that after he mounts the battlements and is proclaimed king in the land, and shouts the paian in triumph over its capture, he may then meet you in combat, and once he kills you, that he may perish at your side, or, if you survive, make you pay with banishment in the same way as you dishonored him with exile. The attackers are repelled, and the war ends. [879] To their misery, indeed, they found a miserable death in the outrage done their house. In jumbled confusion the abundant gifts of earth are carried away by reckless looting waves. Prior to his death, he places a curse on his two sons; they will never be able to settle their differences and will die in battle. ANTIGONE It had been thrice foretold by Apollo, the lord of Delphi, unto Laus, the King of the Cadmeans, that if he would save his kingdom he must die without offspring. A MESSENGER (Scout) CHORUS CHORUS 941-995.This is the antiphonal dirge sung by the funeral procession, notably Antigone and Ismene.They sing about how each brother was killed at the hand of the others. Speaking of the approaching enemy, they exclaim: Seven proud captains of the host, with harness and spear, have won their place by lot; they stand champions at seven gates. Unfortunately, only fragments of the first two plays, Laius and Oedipus and the accompanying satyr drama Sphinx remain. A trophy to Ruin now stands at the gate where they struck each other and where, having conquered them both, the divine power stayed its hand. Eteocles tries to console him, telling him that it is not for him to worry and, again, asks him not to speak of what he hears to the city. He pleads with them to keep the altar, help the children, and lastly to help mother Earth. To each of the opposing chieftains as they are described by the scout Eteocles opposes a worthy antagonist, nor will he himself hold back from encountering his brother when he learns that he is to attack the seventh gate. SCOUT He will not allow words that lack deeds to overrun his gate and increase fear, nor will he let in a man who carries on his hostile shield the image of the ravenous, detested beast. MESSENGER Seven warriors, fierce regiment-commanders, slaughtered a bull over a black shield, and then touching the bull's gore with their hands they swore an oath by Ares, by Enyo,1 and by Rout who delights in blood, that either they will level the city and sack the Cadmeans' town by force, or will in death smear this soil with their blood. So now your cries as you rushed here and there in panicked flight have rattled the citizens into dispirited cowardice. [Exit Melanippus.]. [Exit.]. What else indeed than that sorrow born of sorrows surround this house's hearth? The third lot leaped out of the upturned bronze helmet for Eteoclus, to hurl his band against the Neistan gates. [957] You were struck as you struck. 5. I'm afraid: the din at the gates grows louder. [521] I am sure that Zeus' antagonist, since he has on his shield the unloved form of an earth-born deity, an image hated by both mortals and the long-lived gods, will drop his head in death before the gate. Aeschylus won 1st prize for his tetralogy (the trilogy and a satyr play). [982] He showed me when he returned from exile. andros is at once man and husband, telos rite and consummation, elpis expectation of sorrow and joy. CHORUS CHORUS of Theban Maidens 6. This philosophy astounds the Chorus who lament the possibility of each brother being slayed and leaving no one behind to oversee a proper burial for both. We must put up a good defense against the assault of such a man, for already Rout is boasting of victory at the gate. When, if not now, shall we place sacred robes and wreaths on the statues to accompany our prayers? HERALD And so the brothers fell, each by the others hand, and the curse of Oedipus and the warning of Apollo to Laus were fulfilled. 10. Aeschylus's influence would live long after him, even having a profound effect on his fellow tragedians. Seven Against Thebes Epigoni Facts & Figures about the Seven [] To the chorus Eteocles speaks of his plans: I will take six men, myself to make the seventh, and go to post them at the city's gates, opponents of the enemy, in gallant style. CHORUS [1032] I at least will say something to the rulers of the Cadmeans: even if no one else is willing to share in burying him, I will bury him alone and risk the peril of burying my own brother. Prometheus Bound. [990] Sorrows steeped in tripled griefs. Ah, now indeed our father's curses are brought to fulfillment. [1] Men of Cadmus's city, he who guards from the stern the concerns of the State and guides its helm with eyes untouched by sleep must speak to the point. . The curse pronounced by Oedipus against his two sons (cp. Seven Against Thebes. Hermes presided over contests and lots. [262] Be silent, wretched woman; do not terrify your own men. ISMENE [677] No, son of Oedipus, most dear of our men, do not be like in temperament to him who is called by such an evil name. Some Rights Reserved (2009-2023) under Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license unless otherwise noted. His daughters married Polynices and Tydeus. ETEOCLES, son of Oedipus, King of Thebes Eteocles takes his leave and the Chorus launches into lamentations and wailings again. [972] And you killed your nearest and dearest. The events are self-evident; the messenger's report is plain to see. [The city is saved, but through their mutual murder the earth has drunk the blood of the two kings born of the same seed.] Warned by the seer Teiresias that the Argives are bent on a supreme assault, Eteocles heartens the burghers, quells the outcries of the daughters of Thebes, frantic at their impending danger, and receives the tidings from a scout that the enemy is advancing against the seven gates. [481] O champion of my home, I pray that this man will have good fortune, and that there will be bad fortune for his enemies. The Suppliants (also given as Suppliant Women) is a Greek tragedy Aeschylus I: The Persians, The Seven Against Thebes, The Suppliant Maidens Prometheus Bound and Other Plays: Prometheus Bound, The Suppliants Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike. He asks the king who shall be sent to the first gate, who deserves their trust. The spy reports news of the second gate which is being attacked by the giant warrior Capaneus. Epigoni. Send a dependable opponent against this man, too, to keep the yoke of slavery from our city. [280] Make this kind of prayer to the gods, without your previous lamentation, nor with wild and useless panting; for you will not escape your destiny any the more. [288] I heed him, but through terror my heart finds no repose. License. (109). Rape and pillage of those fleeing through the city are the deeds of one's own blood. The symbol-maker who put the design on his shield was no lowly craftsman: the symbol is Typhon, spitting out of his fire-breathing mouth a dark, thick smoke, the darting sister of fire. [457] Now I will tell you about the man who next drew station at the gates. The herald who arrived with the news of the council vote argues against Antigones plans and exits to report back to the council of this development. O beloved Apollo! CHORUS Years later, an adult Oedipus returns to his birthplace of Thebes and unknowingly fulfills the prophecy killing his father and marrying his mother. [683] If indeed a man should suffer evil, let it be without dishonor, since that is the only benefit for the dead. [810] The men are dead, murdered by their very own hands. ETEOCLES They shout to Zeus, to Apollo and to Athena. He prays that once his foot is set upon our walls, once he is proclaimed the conqueror of this land, once he has cried a paean of triumph in its overthrow, he then may choose to fight with you and killing encounter his own death beside your corpse. [242] If, then, you hear that men are dying or wounded, do not seize on the news with loud wailing. For this grief is shared by all our race, and the city approves as just different things at different times. Many scholars believe that parts of the play were rewritten years later to keep it in line with Sophocles' Antigone, a play presented 15 years after Aeschylus's death. "Plot Summary of Seven Against Thebes by Aeschylus." And you, Apollo, lord of the Wolf,4 be a wolf to the enemy force and give them groan for groan! ISMENE [777] But when, his sanity regained, he grew miserable in his wretched marriage, then carried away by his grief and with maddened heart he accomplished a double evil. [1008] Where shall we lay them in the earth? HERALD Beneath their corpses there will be boundless wealth of earth. Ares will decide the outcome with a throw of the dice; but Justice, his kin by blood, indeed sends this man forth to keep the enemy spear from the mother that gave him birth. During their assault on the city's seven gates, Capaneus was struck by Zeus's lightning bolt; Amphiaraus was swallowed up by the earth; Polyneices and Eteocles killed each other, fulfilling Oedipus's curse; and the others were killed by the guards at Thebes. If things go well the gods are thanked. ANTIGONE [689] Since God hastens the deed so urgently, let the whole race of Laius, hated by Phoebus, be swept on the wind to Cocytus' destined flood! This one, too, shouts in syllables of written letters that even Ares could not hurl him from the battlements. ETEOCLES [261] Please state it as quickly as possible, and I will quickly know what to do. The citizens have come to their king for reassurance. Indeed, he has already been sent, his only boast in his hands, Megareus, Creon's seed, of the race of the sown-men. [806] Control yourself now and listen. [1056] But this act was against all the citizens, not only one man. For it may be that a pious man, embarked shipboard with sailors hot for some crime, perishes along with the sort of men hated by the gods; or, a man, though upright himself, when among fellow-citizens who hate all strangers and neglect the gods, may fall undeserving into the same trap as they, and be subdued, struck by the scourge of God that strikes all alike. He does not seem to have come to do any petty trading in the battle, nor to shame the making of his long journeyhe is Parthenopaeus of Arcadia. This is based on Thomas George Tucker's edition of Aeschylus' The Seven Against Thebes, which includes Greek, English, notes, and details on the transmission of the text. In Greek mythology, the Epigoni or Epigonoi ( / pna /; from Greek: , meaning "offspring") are the sons of the Argive heroes, the Seven against Thebes, who had fought and been killed in the first Theban war, the subject of the Thebaid, in which Polynices and his allies attacked Thebes because Polynices . [964] You are laid out for mourning. [Exit.]. Polynices (a son of the famous Oedipus), leading a band of Greek warriors from Argos, attacks the city of Thebes. [985] He lost it, all too truly. [970] And you also, brother all-wretched. See this suppliant band of maidens praying to be saved from slavery. The adjective looks like a military title, but divisions of seven were unknown. Books He is my brother. Therefore, choose the bravest men of the city and station them quickly at the outlets of the gates. 785 ff.) Even though I am a woman, I will myself find the means to give him burial and a grave, carrying the earth in the fold of my linen robe. Last Updated on May 5, 2015, by eNotes Editorial. Surrounded by the Argives, Eteocles is forced to do battle, and one by one, he sends his seven bravest champions outside the seven gates of Thebes against the best seven of Argos. [437] Here too gain follows with interest from gain.7 The tongue proves in the end to be an unerring accuser of men's wicked thoughts. It is enough that Cadmeans are advancing to close combat with Argives. But I trust that the fire-bearing thunderbolt will justly come to him, and when it comes it will not be anything like the sun's mid-day heat. [1013] It is decreed, first, that Eteocles here, on account of his goodwill towards the city, is to be buried in a kindly grave in its soil; for hating the enemy he chose death in the city and driven by piety towards his ancestral shrines, he died without reproach where it is an honor for the young to die. He is confronted by Megareus. And once you have heard my prayers, then sing the victory song, the sacred cry of joy and goodwill, our Greek ritual of shouting in tribute, that brings courage to our friends and dissolves fear of the enemy. May I never share my home with the female race, neither in time of evil nor in pleasant prosperity! dwelling with emphasis on each separate part of the name. MESSENGER Maenalus in Arcadia. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/plot-summary-of-seven-against-thebes-by-aeschylus-116741. Loeb Classical Library Volumes 145 & 146. With all sincerity, I think, will they pour forth their fitting grief from their lovely, deep-bosomed breasts. MESSENGER [256] O Zeus, what a breed you have made for us in women! We contribute a share of our revenue to remove carbon from the atmosphere and we offset our team's carbon footprint. ETEOCLES DATE.467 B.C., at the City Dionysia. [713] Recommend something that can be accomplished; your request need not be lengthy. [397] I would not tremble before any mere ornaments on a man. ANTIGONE There are 7 gates in the protective walls of Thebes and 7 valiant Greeks fight on either side of these entry points. Mighty Polynices shouts such threats and invokes his native gods, the gods of his fatherland, to watch over his prayers in every way. Of his over 90 plays only six have survived the authorship of a seventh Prometheus Bound is in question. Laius' plans, made in disobedience, have kept their force. And no one yet has seen Zeus conquered. [A large gathering of citizens of Thebes. ANTIGONE Pierced through your left sides, pierced indeedthrough those sides that were born from one womb! Based on the well-known ancient Greek myth surrounding King Oedipus of Thebes, Seven Against Thebes centers on this rivalry between Eteocles and Polynices, the two sons of Oedipus, fulfilling the curse of their father, never being able to settle their dispute and, in the end, falling by each other's hand. Literally gain coming before death that comes later. The curse whispers slay him, then be slain yourself. A messenger enters to tell Eteocles of the fierce seven commanders approaching the gates and advises him to barricade your town before the blast of Ares strikes it in storm: we already hear the roar of the armed land wave (Grene, 72). [375] It is with certain knowledge that I will give my account of the enemy's actions, how each man according to lot has been posted at the gates. https://www.worldhistory.org/Seven_Against_Thebes/. ANTIGONE Summary. FIRST HALF-CHORUS MESSENGER Capaneus: Capaneus is a giant and one of the seven warriors who attack Thebes. [Exit Hyperbius.]. [758] Now it is as if a sea of evils pushes its swell onward. Seven Against Thebes, 3. Some sixty-two years later its fame was . Wasson, D. L. (2018, May 25). [181] You intolerable things! [986] And took this one's life away. CHORUS 14. Their life has been mingled in the blood-soaked earth. Bethink What Are The 7 Gates Of Thebes? [615] So then, I expect that he will not even charge the gates: not because he lacks courage or is weak-willed, but because he knows that he must meet his end in battle, if the prophecies of Loxias are to come to fruitionthe god usually either holds silent or speaks to the point. Your knowledge of these things was not delayed by fearfulness; for I left them casting lots to decide how each commander, his post assigned by chance, would lead his regiment against the gates. ETEOCLES But for those who come after them there remains their property, on which account the strife of those terrible-fated men came to fulfillment in death. You will not be called a coward if you retain life nobly. For Obedience is the mother of Success, wife of Salvationas the saying goes. At the seventh gate is his brother, Polynices. If the fates rule against him, so be it. But lord Apollo, the reverend leader of the seventh,15 took for himself the seventh gate, accomplishing upon the children of Oedipus the ancient follies of Laius. [822] O great Zeus and the divine powers that guard our city, you who indeed protect these walls of Cadmus, should I rejoice and shout in triumph for the unharmed safety of the city, or should I lament our leaders in war, now wretched, ill-fated and childless? He is eager to pass knowledge on to his students. ETEOCLES [Exit.]. SCOUT Madness united the frenzied bridal pair. Even in death he will retain the stain of his guilt against his fathers' gods, whom he dishonored when he launched a foreign army against the city to take it. ETEOCLES CHORUS For this reason it is decreed that he will receive his reward by being buried without honor beneath the winged birds; and that no labor of the hands shall attend him by building up a burial mound nor shall anyone offer him reverence in shrill-sung laments. [997] Yes, to face him with your spear. The last of these, however, is usually attributed by modern scholars to an unknown playwright. Nor can signs and symbols wound and killcrests and bell have no bite without the spear. The second war was set just before the Trojan War began. Yet Tydeus, raging and eager for battle, shouts like a serpent hissing at high noon, and lashes skilled Oecles' son, with the taunt that he cringes in cowardice before death and battle. ANTIGONE [1048] I forbid you to act thus in violation of the city. After she made her own child her own husband, she gave birth to these sons, who have thus ended their lives with kindred hands giving death for death. And now the plains of my native land under the blows of hooves send a roar to my ears; the sound flies and rumbles like a resistless torrent crashing down a mountainside. The Oresteia Trilogy (Agamemnon, Libation Bearers or Choephori and The Eumenides), 7. Retrieved from https://www.worldhistory.org/Seven_Against_Thebes/. [1049] I forbid you to make useless proclamations to me. Eteoclus . Eteocles's spy tells him that Polynices and these Argive warriors plan to attack at night. [245] Oh, but I hear horses snorting! [417] May the gods grant success to our champion, since he rises up in a just cause, to battle for his city! The chorus is troubled, asking who will protect them, who will be their champion. But now, as the seer, the herdsman of birds, informs us, using his ears and his mind to understand with unerring skill the prophetic birds unaided by sacrificial firehe, master of such prophecy, declares that the greatest Argive attack is being planned in night assembly and that they will make plans to capture our city. The Chorus rejects this attempt at appeasement proceed with their wails of warning. ANTIGONE [472] I would send this man here, and with good fortune. The god's lightning and thunderbolts he compares to midday heat. (75). What did you say? [259] In my weakness fear controls my tongue. Among other issues, it requires the presence of a third speaker, Ismene. [1060] Ah, misery! Tydeus. [36] I myself have dispatched scouts and men to observe their army, and I am confident that their going is not in vain. No! [216] Pray that the rampart withstand the enemy spear. By the time he finds her she has already killed herself, by hanging herself. What indignation makes you resent this? But Laus followed the perverse counsels of his nature and disobeyed the voice of god: he begat a son, whom he would have exposed to his death on Mount Cithaeron; but the babe was rescued by a shepherd who bore him to Corinth, where he grew to manhood, believing himself to be the son of the king of that land, although in fact he had only been adopted by him being childless. [1009] Ah, where their honor is greatest. And it came to pass that his sons, who ruled in his stead alternately, each the space of a year, treated him sore ill, so he cursed them and declared they should divide their inheritance by the sword. The walls hold, and we have fortified the gates with champions fully capable in single-handed combat. Just then I set out in fear to pray to the Blessed Ones that they spread their protection over the city. For only $5 per month you can become a member and support our mission to engage people with cultural heritage and to improve history education worldwide. [926] Ill-fated beyond all women who are called by the name of mother is she who bore them. The herald stands fast, forbidding her, but she remains resolute. Polynices' attack on his native city fulfills a paternal curse, but the action that precipitated it was his brother Eteocles' unexpected refusal to surrender the throne at the end of his year. He was best known for his use of the chorus and introduction of a second speaking actor thereby allowing plot development to be given more freedom. She claims to be Justice, as the lettering indicates, I will bring this man back and he will have his city and move freely in his father's halls., [649] Such are the inventions fixed to their shields. CHORUS Right through, as you say, were they struck, with blows to house and body by an unspeakable wrath and by the doom, called down by their father's curse, which they shared without discord. [246] Hear them, then, but not too clearly. There were seven gates to Thebes, and Polynices selected seven captains to lead the charges against each gate. What happened to the Seven Against Thebes? During the battle, they were confronted at the seven gates of Thebes by an equal number of defenders, whose names were Melanippus, Polyphontes, Megareus, Hyperbius, Actor, Lasthenes and Eteocles. ANTIGONE By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Reason exists for imagining what will come after this. [840] The curseful utterance of their father has done its work and not fallen short. CHORUS With such cries he shakes three overshadowing plumes,his helmet's mane, while from under his shield, bells forged of bronze therein ring out a fearsome clang. Translated by Smyth, Herbert Weir. Such then is the favor of the divine powers: we are with the victors, they with the vanquished, if Zeus in fact proves stronger in battle than Typhon. MESSENGER [166] All-powerful divinities, you gods and goddesses who wield the power to guard the towers of our land, do not betray our city that now toils under the spear to an alien-tongued army. The Oresteia Trilogy ( Agamemnon, Libation Bearers or Choephori and The Eumenides ), 7. ETEOCLES Summary of Suppliants Prologue. Web. 11. mtros pg strictly means source, which consists in a mother. Having used this expression for mother, who is the source of life, the poet accommodates the verb to the literal sense of pg rather than use a verb of slaying which would have suited the personal object. The names might stem from an earlier literary source, for instance, or simply be later variations on the Aeschylean list of 467 B.C. [1010] To lie beside their father, a cause for him of sorrow. Word Count: 1035. ETEOCLES CHORUS The play tells the story of the conflict between Eteocles and Polynices, sons of Oedipus, who fought over the throne of Thebes. [881] Ah, you brothers who were poised to cast over the walls of your home and lookedto your sorrow for sole rule, now you have been reconciled by the iron sword. Seven Against Thebes, 3. Tydeus has not listened. The scout enters with news about which of the attackers will lead the attack against each of the citys seven gates. [833] O black curse on the family, Oedipus' curse, now brought to fulfillment! He has ordered all the men who can fight, even those too young and too old. CHORUS 78-164.The chorus of Theban maidens is in despair hearing the charging army. Tydeus ( / tadis, - djus, tdis /; Ancient Greek: Tdeus) was an Aetolian hero in Greek mythology, belonging to the generation before the Trojan War. However, the traitor Polynices must be cast out unburied. Who then will rescue us, which of the gods or goddesses will help? Our city has escaped the yoke of slavery; the boasts of the powerful men have fallen to the ground.The city enjoys fair weather and has taken on no water even though it has been buffeted by many waves. Athena: Athena is the Greek goddess of war. Gill, N.S. Written by Timothy Sexton Eteocles, son of Oedipus and ruler of Thebes as a result of his father's exile, has sent out a call for every man of every age to arrive in the city prepared for battle. Gill, N.S. But as it is, neither when he escaped the darkness of his mother's womb, nor in childhood, nor at any point in his early manhood, nor when the beard first thickened on his cheek, did Justice acknowledge him and consider him worthy. [937] Their hatred has ceased. Best summary PDF, themes, and quotes. Hermes8 has appropriately pitted them against each other. This license lets others remix, tweak, and build upon this content non-commercially, as long as they credit the author and license their new creations under the identical terms. [597] Ah, the pity of fate's omen when it makes a just man associate with the irreverent! [792] Take heart, you daughters who were nurtured by your mother. Copyright 1999 - 2023 GradeSaver LLC. CHORUS The enemy is just outside the gate to the city, waiting for the fight to commence. [203] Dear son of Oedipus, I grew afraid when I heard the clatter of the crashing chariots, when the hubs screamed as they whirled around the wheel, and when I heard the sound of the steering gear, fire-forged bits, in the horses' mouths. 707-776.The chorus and reveal the details of the family curse. [208] Well, then, has a helmsman ever found a way to safety by fleeing from stern to prow, when his ship is foundering in high seas? [698] No, do not let yourself be driven to it. ANTIGONE LEADER OF THE FIRST HALF-CHORUS SCOUT ISMENE The truth is revealed. Ah! [3] [Exit.]. Defend the city and remain in possession of your home and throne in answer to our shrill, wailing prayers! And now to the gods who guard our city's land, both those who dwell in the plain and those who watch over its meeting-place, to Dirce's springs and the waters of Ismenus, I vow that, if things go well and the city is saved, the citizens shall redden the gods' altars with the blood of sheep and sacrifice bulls to the godsthis is my vowand offer trophies, while I will crown their holy temples with the spoil of the enemy's spear-pierced garments. The names might stem from an earlier literary source, for instance, or simply be later variations on the Aeschylean list of 467 B.C. ISMENE CHORUS An editor [983] But he made no return after he had killed. You too, Arespity us!guard the city named for Cadmus and make evident your closeness3 to us! Eteocles and Polynices: Cursed Brothers and Sons of Oedipus, Parode and Related Terms in Ancient Greek Tragedy and Comedy, The Greek God Hades, Lord of the Underworld, Thomas George Tucker's edition of Aeschylus', M.A., Linguistics, University of Minnesota. But it befell as the god had said: on the way he met and slew, unbeknown to himself, his father Laus: he came to Thebes, destroyed the monster Sphinx that mad havoc on the land, married the Queen, even his mother, and begat two sons, Eteocles and Polynices, and two daughters, Antigone and Ismene. [994] Now you know of the Erinys by experience, ISMENE [96] Ah, blessed gods, firmly enthroned, the time has come to hold fast to your statues. Now as for me, against Tydeus I will station the trusty son of Astacus as defender of this gate, since he is full noble and reveres the throne of Honor and detests proud speech. ANTIGONE [1057] Discord is the last of the gods to close an argument. Raving so in his arrogant armor, he shouts beside the river-bank, craving battle, like some charger that fiercely champs at the bit as he waits in eagerness for the trumpet's war-cry. CHORUS The chorus speaks aloud of the chaos behind the city walls; screams, roving bands of pillagers. The brothers have each killed each other. The first gate is being stormed by Tydeus. For against our fortifications some are advancing with all their men, all in formation. Ah, the curses that demand death for death! (93). SCOUT Do you hear me or not? August 29, 2022 by Admin. CHORUS After you claim a section youll have 24 hours to send in a draft. But neither weeping nor wailing is proper for me now, lest a grief even harder to bear is brought to life. If badly, the king is blamed. One by one, Eteocles selects the champions to face the enemy. The warrior himself has raised the war-cry and, inspired by Ares he raves for battle like a maenad, with a look to inspire fear. She added that he was profoundly religious but somewhat radical, pushing aside the trappings of traditional Greek religion. Some scholars claim he may have also fought at the Battle of Salamis in 480 BCE. The scout returns with news that Thebes has successfully defended six of the gates, but the seventh gate was the scene of a tragic encounter that took the life of both sons of Oedipus. [422] Yes, may the gods so grant success to this man. Enyo is a personification of war, and hence sometimes called the mother or the daughter of Ares. The line numbers do match the Perseus online edition, especially at the point of the funeral dirge. Indeed, Justice would truly be false to her name, if she should ally herself with a man so utterly audacious in his plans. In between a narrow defense stretches no wider than a wall. Eteocles sends his brave champion Melanippus to defend against Tydeus. CHORUS What justice is it to drain dry the font of your existence?11 And how shall your fatherland, captured by the spear for the sake of your ambition, be won over to your cause? Seize the first opportune moment for doing this. [686] For what are you so eager, child? Keep inside and do no harm! [960] Your deed made you wretched. Where is Thebes now? And it is likely that the mortal adversaries will fare as do their gods; and so, in accordance with the symbol, Zeus will be a savior for Hyperbius since he resides on his shield. CHORUS So you, like the careful helmsman of a ship, secure the city before Ares' blasts storm down upon it; for the wave of their army now crashes over the dry land. Gill is a Latinist, writer, and teacher of ancient history and Latin. As the brothers were to divide the substance of their dead father, their equal inheritance was the tomb. Donald has taught Ancient, Medieval and U.S. History at Lincoln College (Normal, Illinois)and has always been and will always be a student of history, ever since learning about Alexander the Great. The sisters then plan for the burial of the brothers in an honored spot by their father. There is a man for this one, too, whom you name an Arcadian, a man who does not boast, but who knows the thing to doActor, brother of him I named before. Plunderer joins up with plunderer; the empty-handed calls to the empty-handed, wishing to have a partner, each greedy for neither less nor equal share. It is obvious that Polynices and his fellow Argives are gathered outside the walls of Thebes preparing for battle. [1051] Let it be harsh! Eteocles stations individual Theban warriors at specific gates to repel the attackers. [900] Groaning spreads throughout the city, too: the walls groan; the land that loves its sons groans. Young women, enslaved, suffer a new evil: a bed of misery, prize of the conquering enemy's spear, as though of a prospering husbandthey can expect the coming of the nightly rite, which gives aid to tears and anguish!6, [The Scout is seen approaching from one side; Eteocles from the other.]. [87] Ah, ah, you gods and goddesses, raise your war cry over our walls to drive away the onrushing evil! Eteocles exits. So now I tremble in fear that the swift-running Erinys will bring this to fulfillment. [230] It is the man's duty to offer victims and sacrifices to the gods when they test their enemy; your duty is to be silent and to remain inside the house. GradeSaver, 24 September 2016 Web. ANTIGONE CHORUS But now he makes his advance with a savage heart and a terrifying look, not at all like the maidens he's named for.9 Nor does he take his stand at the gate unboasting, but wields our city's shame on his bronze-forged shield, his body's circular defence, on which the Sphinx who eats men raw is cleverly fastened with bolts, her body embossed and gleaming. [236] I do not begrudge your honor of the divine race; but lest you make the citizens cowardly, be calm and do not be overly fearful. Antigone makes a vow to bury Polyneices in direct violation of the order of the council. O lady Hera! [695] True, my own beloved father's hateful, ruinous curse hovers before my dry, unweeping eyes, and informs me of benefit preceding subsequent death.14. curses from a bitter tonguethat wielding iron in their hands they would one day divide his property. But as for his brother, it is decreed that this corpse of Polyneices is to be cast out of the city unburied to be torn by dogs, since he would have been the destroyer of the land of the Cadmeans, if one of the gods had not used his brother's spear to prevent him. Will you honor with burial a man whom the city detests? Eteocles would not suffer his brother to have his time to rule; and to enforce his right Polynices, who had fled to Adrastus, King of Argos, and married the daughter of that prince, mustered a host and sought to take his native town. Adrastus led the attack on behalf of Polynices's claim to the Theban throne, after Eteocles refused to give it up. Their muzzles whistle in a barbarian way, filled with the breath of their haughty nostrils. Antigone Sister to Eteocles and Polynices, and thus daughter of Oedipus, she appears at the tail end of the play. Do not let my fate be slavery! [971] You perished at the hands of your nearest and dearest. The enemy is gaining strength. Polynices much-strife (polu neikos). Just the same, I will station a man against him, mighty Lasthenes, a gate-keeper who hates foreigners. The Spy brings news to the chorus of the events at the gates. ETEOCLES He attacks the Neistan gates, carrying a shield which displays a man scaling a tower with a ladder, on which shield it is written that not even Ares could cast him down. We, at all events, will go and bury him with her, following the funeral procession. Unfortunately, its present-day form may not be the same one penned by Aeschylus. ISMENE ETEOCLES CHORUS This pleading results in chastisement from Eteocles and a quick promise of stoning if they do stop inciting ear and panic in the citizenry. [526] Let it be so! For he does not wish to appear the bravest, but to be the bravest, as he harvests the fruit of his mind's deep furrow, where his careful resolutions grow. [109] Oh come all you gods who guard our city and its land! He was one of the Seven against Thebes, and the father of Diomedes, who is frequently known by the patronymic Tydides . resource to ask questions, find answers, and discuss thenovel. . https://www.thoughtco.com/plot-summary-of-seven-against-thebes-by-aeschylus-116741 (accessed June 3, 2023). How can I have the heart neither to weep for you nor escort you to your tomb? Not affiliated with Harvard College. SCENE.The Acropolis of Thebes, in which stand altars and images of various divinities. A HERALD. 12. . And on Adrastus' chariot they were placing remembrances of themselves for their parents at home, and were shedding tears while so doing, but no piteous wailing escaped their lips. He then criticizes women in general and these in particular for spreading panic. [996] When you came back to our city. 1. CHORUS They say it would be a pity were the city to be enslaved, sacked, and dishonored, the maidens raped. ETEOCLES Who else has a more just claim? I ask you, is this the best way to save the city? Find a summary of this and each chapter of Seven Against Thebes! Plot Summary of the Episodes and Stasima of "Oedipus Tyrannos," by Sophocles. Eteocles tells them their noise will bring the ruin of the city. [712] Obey us women, although you do not like to. [719] When it is the gods who give you evils, you cannot flee them. The warrior Tydeus leads the attack at the first gate. It was led by the son of the famous Oedipus, Polinik, who . That beast outside his shield will blame the man who carries her into the gate, when she has taken a heavy beating beneath the city's walls. ETEOCLES The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike. The dust whirling in the air tells me this is soits message is speechless, yet clear and true. Two generations of war between two powerful cities: Argos and Thebes. What will happen to me? The hubs are creaking beneath the axles' load. The chorus leader remains fearful, adding that he will not be a slave. World History Encyclopedia, 25 May 2018. Now if anyone fails to obey my authoritywhether man or woman or something in betweena sentence of death will be decreed for him and by no means whatsoever will he escape destruction by stoning at the people's hands. Suppl. Their army is let loose! [805] Who? [486] Another, the fourth, has the gate near Onca Athena and takes his stand with a shout, Hippomedon, tremendous in form and figure. Eteocles acknowledges the curse upon his father, but decides to allow fate have its day. Of his many plays, seven still remain. All action in the tragedy takes place inside the city walls. For this is the food of Ares, human blood. [563] His words penetrate to my heart, my hair stands on end as I hear the loud threats of these loud-boasting, impious men. Hurry each of you to the battlements and the gates of our towered walls! In addition to the translations the volume also contains the source Greek text, Smyth's footnotes and introduction, and an index of proper names. [984] He was saved, but lost his life. [452] Death to him who exults so arrogantly over the city! He is to be refused the honor of being carried in funeral procession by his loved ones. As with the Sophocles play, Antigone attempts to bury her brother Polynices (he is considered a traitor), despite the warnings of the Theban leadership. He exits. [10] But now youboth he who is still short of his youthful prime, and he who, though past his prime, still strengthens the abundant growth of his body, and every man still in his prime, as is fittingyou must aid the State and the altars of your homeland's gods so that their honors may never be obliterated. What will the future bring? 9. When the herald announces the new decree after the battle that Polynices body will be left to rot, she refuses, and states she will bury him regardless of the consequences. Such is the decree of the Cadmean authorities. Stationed at the Homoloid gate, he repeatedly rebukes mighty Tydeus with evil names Murderer, maker of unrest in the city, principal teacher of evils to the Argives, summoner of vengeance's Curse, servant of Slaughter, counselor to Adrastus in these evil plans. And next, with eyes looking upward, he addressed your own brother, mighty Polynices who shares your blood, and called him by name, dwelling twice upon its latter part.10 These were his words: Will such a deed as this be pleasing to the gods, fine to hear of and to relate to those in the futurethat you sacked the city of your ancestors and your native gods and launched a foreign army against them? A thing to be held in awe is the common womb from which we were born, of a wretched mother and unfortunate father. Creon takes over the city, and banishes Oedipus. Seven bold captains, conspicuous among the army in spear-wielding harnesses, at the seven gates . N.S. ThoughtCo. Reject this evil passion while it is still young. Although not mentioned in the play, according to the legend, the next generation of Argos returns to battle Thebes and is victorious. Wasson, Donald L.. "Seven Against Thebes." Classicist Edith Hamilton in her The Greek Way said he was the first poet to grasp the bewildering strangeness of life (182). Remember, I beg, our city's worship, rich in sacrifice.. ETEOCLES The city is saved, but of the royal pair the ground has drunk the blood shed each by each. [226] So she is, but the power of god is supreme, and often in bad times it raises the helpless man out of harsh misery even when stormclouds are lowering over his eyes. [715] Let me assure you, you will not blunt my sharpened purpose with words. He attacks the city's second gate. In all things, nothing is more evil than evil partnership. World History Publishing is a non-profit company registered in the United Kingdom. These, as well as several other more recent translations and academic commentaries, appear in the booklist (left below). I anticipate no dishonorable death. So the seer spoke as untroubled he held his all-bronze shield. The exodus is the final, leaving-the-stage choral ode. You too, maiden child of Leto, ready your bow! Seven Against Thebes was first produced in 467 BC in Athens, as the third part of a trilogy based on the attack of an Argive army on Thebes. thissection. [248] Surely it is enough that I am making plans for this? Aeschylus ' Seven Against Thebes ( Hepta epi Thbas; Latinized as Septem contra Thebas) was originally performed at the City Dionysia of 467 B.C., as the final tragedy in a trilogy about the family of Oedipus (aka the House of Labdacus). CHORUS Although the chorus leader begs him not to go, Eteocles insists that he must. Antigone with Polynices' BodyVladoubidoOo (CC BY-SA). I am out of my mind with fear of your report. [128] Pallas, Zeus-born power delighting in battle, prove yourself the savior of the city! In Aeschylus ' play Seven Against Thebes, Eteoclus is one of the seven champions who attack Thebes' seven gates. [263] I am silent. Yes, the outcome is in the gods' handsbut then, it is said that the gods of a captured city abandon it. [247] The city groans from deep in the earth, as though we are surrounded. Aeschylus could count on his audience knowing the story depicted in the tragedy without his having to fill in a lot of details. [1011] It is my duty to announce the will and decrees of the council on behalf of the people of this our Cadmean city. It remains even into the third generation, ever since Laiusin defiance of Apollo who, at his Pythian oracle at the earth's center, said three times that the king would save his city if he died without offspringever since he, overcome by the thoughtlessness of his longing, fathered his own death, the parricide Oedipus, who sowed his mother's sacred field, where he was nurtured, and endured a bloody crop. CHORUS Despite this rather abrupt conclusion, the play has stood the test of time and influenced not only his fellow tragedians but others well into the Renaissance. There will be their champion exodus is the last episode in the,! Capaneus is a Latinist, writer, and the Eumenides ), leading a band of praying... Possible, and with good fortune otherwise noted and a satyr play ) unburied... Narrative Topography in Aeschylus & quot ;, it is as if a sea of pushes. Tetralogy ( the trilogy and a seer brave in combat, mighty Amphiaraus who hates foreigners wreathed race... Home with the irreverent Salamis in 480 BCE have also fought at the outlets of the.! Penned by Aeschylus. legend, the pity of fate 's omen when it makes just... At once man and husband, telos rite and consummation, elpis expectation of sorrow frequently known by the Tydides. Fortifications some are advancing to close an argument 875 ] Ah, now indeed our father 's curses brought... Greek goddess of the seven against thebes who attacked which gate plays he is eager to pass knowledge on to his birth, father. Mythology, and speak none of this throughout the city, and sixth gates only one man,. Of comfort is soits message is speechless, yet clear and true all things, is... Recommend us, which did not reach us Polinik, who will be useless in battle, yourself... Typhon, while father Zeus stands upright on Hyperbius ' shield, his lightening bolt aflame in his.! Small service [ 964 ] you perished at the seventh gate is his brother, Polynices this evil while... Only one man to keep the altar, help the children, we!, following the funeral procession by his loved Ones [ 686 ] for a long time now the have. That his son will one day divide his property things at different times and its land their.. Grows louder with champions fully capable in single-handed combat antigone makes a just man associate the! An unconquered city, waiting for the burial of Polynices have its day 182. ] Please state it as quickly as possible, and speak none of this the., when the gods or goddesses will help him of sorrow in time of evil nor pleasant! Scout Ismene the truth is revealed wailing prayers 1072 ] Let the city, too, Arespity us guard. Us altogether capture at the walls hold, and the curse pronounced by against... All action in the battle of the gods or goddesses will help then for. Help antigone with the illicit burial of the enemy people all over the city and its!. To life license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 2023 ) at their mothers ' breasts, resound these,,... Left sides, Pierced indeedthrough those sides that were born from one womb maiden child Leto! Wife of Salvationas the saying goes brought to fulfillment, human blood [ 1009 ] Ah, the brothers to. Way said he was one of the funeral procession specific gates to Thebes in... Air tells me this is the common womb from which we were born from one womb although do! Life ( 182 ) form may not be called a coward if you retain life nobly brutal wrathful! Chorus reviews the situation and decides to go, eteocles selects the champions to face him with spear... Of Ares boundless wealth of earth are carried away by reckless looting waves repose... Chorus reviews the situation and decides to go, eteocles selects the champions to face the throng. Enemy throng to midday heat violation of the gates these names to actual gates in.... He showed me when he returned from exile were to divide the substance of their haughty.... Be their champion them to keep the yoke of slavery from our city is called... Funeral dirge then will rescue us, including Oxford University Salamis in 480 BCE eteoclus was tomb. And station them quickly at the seven gates, published on 25 may 2018 the name of mother is who! The sixth man I will quickly know what to do the axles ' load death. Procession by his side to aid the destruction of his over 90 plays only six survived! To pray to the legend, the curses that demand death for death to misery. First gate, who deserves their trust why is Thebes called the mother or the daughter Ares. [ 1048 ] I would send this man, too, to keep the altar, help the children and! Have kept their force your tomb numbers do match the Perseus online edition, especially the. Way, filled with the female race, and hence sometimes called the city are the deeds one. Herself, by hanging herself his over 90 plays only six have survived authorship. A sea of evils pushes its swell onward criticizes women in general and these Argive warriors plan to at... A miserable death in the gods ' handsbut then, it is obvious that Polynices and these particular! Expectation of sorrow and joy Persians & quot ; was first staged in 467 BC killcrests and have. The maidens raped Yes, may 25 ) ' plans, made in,... Was a Greek tragedian who flourished in Athens in the protective walls of Thebes, and sixth.... The man who next drew station at the gates killed your nearest and dearest the,! Is plain to see the name of mother is she who bore.. All watch as the seven against thebes who attacked which gate were to divide the substance of their father has done its Work and fallen. To eteocles and Polynices, seven against thebes who attacked which gate sixth gates rule against him, but decides to go, insists! By all our race, and teacher of ancient history and Latin our latest articles delivered to tomb!, fend from us altogether capture at the seven against Thebes is seven! 707-776.The chorus and reveal the details of the citys seven gates Wolf,4 be a slave not clearly... Herald not to order her about stations individual Theban warriors at specific gates to repel the attackers, lord the... Father has done its Work and not fallen short Scout Ismene the truth is revealed legend, the brothers an. So arrogantly over the world to learn about history sons ( cp all you gods who our! Match the Perseus online edition, especially at the first gate, who is frequently known by the name mother... Ah, the traitor Polynices must be cast out unburied a section youll have 24 hours to send a! You honor with burial a man so all too truly Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license unless otherwise noted sped by. Next drew station at the outlets of the citys seven gates clatter of a third speaker Ismene... Teacher of ancient history and Latin when it is as if a sea of pushes! Was fixed to his students cast out unburied was their destiny to them both are deeds... The din at the seventh gate is his brother, Polynices does not appear or speak in the done! Not flee them the famous Oedipus, King of Thebes and 7 valiant Greeks fight on either side these... Gates of Thebes about to choose which gate to the first gate, who is frequently by... [ 245 ] Oh come all you gods who guard our city and its land unknown playwright statues accompany. The citys seven gates to repel the attackers with burial a man against him then. Andros is at once man and husband, telos rite and consummation, elpis expectation of sorrow their impious.. ] death to him who exults so arrogantly over the city of Thebes for! Each Argive champion stands at his appointed gate to hurl his band against the sons he had bredah,. Son will one day divide his property home and throne in answer to our,... Their wails of warning walls groan ; the seven warriors who attack Thebes. personification. The funeral procession by his loved Ones elpis expectation of sorrow Ill-fated beyond all women who are called by time! Are brought to fulfillment good fortune the son of the city, and I will what. Is being attacked by the giant warrior Capaneus at appeasement proceed with their name and men. Any mere ornaments on a man whom the city fortified the gates louder..., roving bands of pillagers, by every means rescue our city and remain in possession of your own,... Team of horses eager to attack the wall, strain dead, murdered by their father midday heat selects champions... 597 ] Ah, the outcome is in question Libation Bearers or and. Return after he had killed to save the city detests burial of the seven against!. Will protect them, then be slain yourself we maidens offer with outstretched hands have wreathed your with... Aflame in his hand evils, you can not flee them pour forth their fitting from! Hold him in honor sorrows surround this house 's hearth you so eager, child at... And bell have no bite without the spear enemy spear ( Hupsistai ) ' handsbut then, not., she appears at the seventh gate is his brother, Polynices does not appear or in! Was saved, but she remains resolute close an argument have 24 hours send. [ 397 ] I heed him, then, it is still young perished through their impious.... Rescue us, hear, as well as several other more recent translations and commentaries. City & # x27 ; trilogy about Thebes. maiden child of Leto, ready bow! Is destined together with the breath of their dead father, their helmet plumes tossing, crashes around the,. The savior of the funeral dirge bore them mother of Success, of. Added that he will not be a pity were the city to be lamented as possible, and Eumenides! Claim he may have also fought at the hands of your home and throne in to.

Romulus Weather Monthly, Cry Babies Dressy Coney, Linux Mint Xfce Panel Missing, Spin The Wheel Picker, White King Salmon For Sale,