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In Greek mythology, Creon, or Kreon
("ruler"), son of Menoeceus, was the father of Haemon and husband of Eurydice. Also occasionally the uncle of
Amphitryon.
When Oedipus stepped down as King of Thebes, he gave the kingdom to his two sons, Eteocles and
Polynices, who both agreed to alternate the throne every year. However, they
showed no concern for their father, who cursed them for their negligence. After the first year, Eteocles refused to step down and
Polynices attacked Thebes with his supporters (the Seven
Against Thebes). Both brothers died in the battle. King Creon, who ascended to the throne of Thebes, decreed that Polynices
was not to be buried. Antigone, his sister, defied the order, but was caught. Creon
decreed that she was to be buried alive, this in spite of her betrothal to his son Haemon. Antigone's sister, Ismene, then declared she had aided Antigone and wanted the same fate. The gods, through the
blind prophet Tiresias, expressed their disapproval of Creon's decision, which
convinced him to rescind his order, and he went to bury Polynices himself. However, Antigone had already hanged herself rather
than be buried alive. When Creon arrived at the tomb where she was to be interred, Haemon attacked him and then killed himself. When Creon's wife, Eurydice, was informed of their death she too took her own life.
See also Epigonoi
There was another person in Greek mythology named
Creon. He was a King of Corinth and father of
Creusa and Glauce. His wife sold Tisiphone into slavery.
Creon was also the first Archon of Athens after
the position was limited to a term of one year, in 683 BC.
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