The theban saga Flashcards
(28 cards)
What are the main sagas associated with Thebes?
Around the city of Thebes, the dynasty of Kadmos, and Oedipus.
There is also an Egyptian city called Thebes, which is unrelated.
When does the history of Thebes date back to?
The Mycenaean period, around 1600 BC.
What was the peak of Thebes’ power?
Around 362 BC, ruling over large parts of the Peloponnese, Thessia, and parts of Asia Minor.
Who is Kadmos?
The founder of Thebes.
What are the Spartoi?
The ‘sown men’, an ecological myth, believed to be the ancestors of important figures in Theban mythology.
Who are the parents of Dionysos?
Semele, daughter of Kadmos, and Zeus.
What tragic fate befell Semele?
She was tricked by Hera to ask Zeus to see him in all his glory, resulting in her death.
What significant event does Pentheus’ disbelief in Dionysus lead to?
He is ripped to pieces by maenads led by his mother.
How did Amphion build the Theban Wall?
By moving the stones with music.
What is the significance of the play ‘Antigone’?
divine law vs human law, obeying authority and the law vs obeying what one believe is right
What happens to Antigone for burying her brother?
She is buried alive.
Who is Kapaneus?
One of the 7 heroes in the first Theban war, known for his strength and hubris, killed by Zeus’ lightning bolt
What is the punishment Zeus inflicts on Kapaneus?
He is struck by a lightning bolt.
What are the Epigonoi?
The ‘after born’, referring to the second Theban war.
Who killed the dragon and what was his punishment?
Kadmos, and he then had to serve Mars for a few years
What common theme is found in classical mythology regarding dynasties?
Cursed dynasties over generations due to a horrible crime committed by an ancestor.
What is hubris?
Arrogance or inappropriate behavior, especially towards the gods.
What is dramatic irony in the context of Oedipus?
The audience knows Oedipus has killed his father and married his mother, but he does not.
Which play by Sophocles is considered an ideal tragedy?
Oedipus the King.
What is a major theme in ‘Oedipus the King’?
The unavoidability of destiny.
What complex is associated with Oedipus in Freudian theory?
The Oedipus Complex.
What type of conflict is central in Sophocles’ ‘Antigone’?
The conflict between human and divine laws.
What is the orthodox view regarding Kreon and Antigone’s conflict?
Kreon is wrong.
How does the hegalion view interpret the conflict between Kreon and Antigone?
Both are partly right and partly wrong, too stubborn in their principles.
