Eteocles

This article is about the son of Oedipus. For the other mythological figure of the same name, see Eteocles (son of Andreus).
Eteocles and Polynices, by Giovanni Battista Tiepolo, from the Ca' Dolfin Tiepolos.
Eteocles and Polynices, copy of mural in François Tomb from Vulci made in 4th century BC

In Greek mythology, Eteocles (/ɪˈtiːəkliːz/; ‹See Tfd›Greek: Ἐτεοκλῆς) was a king of Thebes, the son of Oedipus and either Jocasta[1] or Euryganeia. Oedipus killed his father Laius and married his mother without knowing his relationship to either. When the relationship was revealed, he was expelled from Thebes. The rule passed to his sons Eteocles and Polynices. However, because of a curse from their father, the two brothers did not share the rule peacefully and died as a result, ultimately killing each other in battle for control of the city. Upon his death, Eteocles was succeeded by his uncle, Creon.

  1. ^ Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Eteocles" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 9 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 806.