Greek mythology · 3 chapters

The Epigoni: Second War Against Thebes

The sons succeed where their fathers failed, but the victory poisons the winner

The original Seven Against Thebes had failed and died. Their sons, the Epigoni, swear to succeed where their fathers fell. Alcmaeon, son of the seer Amphiaraus, leads them. He does so partly from duty, partly from his mother Eriphyle's manipulation, she was bribed again, this time with a magic robe. The Epigoni conquer Thebes. The city is sacked and most of its citizens exiled. But Alcmaeon's victory is hollow: the oracle told him he must kill his mother Eriphyle to avenge his father. He does it. And is immediately tormented by the Erinyes, the ancient Furies, driven mad for matricide. He wanders the earth, cursed, unable to touch any ground his mother walked upon. Only certain river deltas, newly created land, can give him rest.