The extended family of Antigone branches out to the founder of Thebes, Cadmus. His lineage can be traced back to two gods – Poseidon and Libya – who were his grandparents through Agenor and Telephassa, his parents. Europa, one of Cadmus’ siblings then married King Phoenix from Phoenicia resulting in Cilix and Thasus being born as their sons.
After Cadmus joined with Harmonia, the offspring of Ares and Aphrodite, they had four children: Autonoe, Ino, Semele and Agave. Autonoe was the mother of Actaeon who suffering a cruel fate when Artemis saw him looking at her in the bath and transformed him into a stag! Also from this union came Learchus and Melicertes; both were thrown off an ocean cliff by Poseidon in his rage. Then we come to Semele – she conceived Dionysus while Zeus seduced her disguised as lightning!
Agave wed Echion, one of the five Spartans born from a dragon’s teeth. This union produced a son named Pentheus who defied Dionysus and later met his end at the hands of his mother in her crazed state. Polydorus was their daughter and she went on to have two children; Labdacus and Laius.
Laius wed Jocasta, daughter to Menoeceus—the King of Thebes. From their union came a son named Oedipus. In his anger, he would eventually slay his own father and unknowingly marry his mother; together they had four children: Eteocles, Polynices, Antigone and Ismene.
In a tragic battle for the throne of Thebes, Eteocles and Polynices fought to the death. In their wake was left Antigone and Ismene who mourned the loss while simultaneously attempting to break the curse that had befallen them by burying her brother Polynices–an act which ultimately lead to her own end. Ismene was forced with remembering both her brothers’ deaths and subsequently commemorating Antigone’s courageous deed.
The Antigone family tree is a complex, entangled web of tragedy and heroism. This serves as an example that harmony between relatives can be difficult to attain, with the potential for serious repercussions. Yet despite this complexity, we look upon Antigone fondly – her courage and loyalty even in the face of adversity will always remain a source of admiration for us all.
Who are the members of Antigone’s family tree?
Antigone’s lineage spans a remarkable family tree, from the traditional founder Cadmus and his wife Harmonia to her siblings Ismene and Polynices. Oedipus, Jocasta, Eteocles; Labdacus, Laius – these figures of Greek mythology feature in Antigone’s familial history alongside Autonoe, Ino, Semele and Agave along with their children Pentheus and Polydorus.
What were the consequences of Eteocles and Polynices fight for the throne of Thebes?
The tragic outcome of the rivalry between Eteocles and Polynices for control of Thebes was their demise, leaving behind Antigone and Ismene to bravely face its consequences. Antigone courageously rose to the challenge in an effort to lift her family from this calamity by burying her deceased brother Polynices – a decision that ultimately costed her own life.
What is remembered about Antigone?
Known for her bravery, loyalty and unwavering determination in the face of difficulty, Antigone is an inspirational figure who will be remembered throughout history. Her legacy lives on as a reminder that we too can stand up with courage and strength no matter what obstacles life throws our way.
I’ve always been interested in DNA testing and genealogy. My DNA testing research is approved by my teachers at the Boston University of Genealogy. I’ve been following DNA testing’s rise since its first appearance in 2006.
