Antigone in the ancient sources

Ancient Sources / Figures / Antigone

39 passages from 5 ancient authors that tell of Antigone, in the original with English translation, author by author in the order the Greeks read them. In Greek mythology, Antigone was the daughter of Oedipus and his mother, Jocasta. Oedipus, king of Thebes, unknowingly married his mother Jocasta, and... For the story in one place, read our article on Antigone.

Apollodorus (1)

Apollodorus, The Library (Bibliotheca), with the Epitome 3.7.1–7Creon, Antigone, the Epigoni and AlcmaeonCreon takes the kingdom and forbids the burial of the Argive dead; Antigone buries Polynices and is entombed alive, and Theseus's Athenians recover the dead for Adrastus. Ten years later the sons of the fallen, the Epigoni, take Thebes under Alcmaeon, and the Thebans flee after Tiresias's death. Alcmaeon kills his mother Eriphyle, is driven mad, marries Arsinoe and Callirrhoe, and is killed over Harmonia's necklace and robe; his sons by Callirrhoe avenge him and colonize Acarnania.

Aeschylus (3)

Aeschylus, Seven against Thebes 875–1010Exodos: the lament for the two brothersThe Chorus and the sisters Antigone and Ismene sing a long lament over the two brothers. They speak of the curse of Oedipus that has been fulfilled, of the wounds the brothers gave and took, and of the grief that they bring on their house, and Antigone and Ismene ask where the brothers shall be buried.
Aeschylus, Seven against Thebes 1011–1084Exodos: the Herald's decree and Antigone's defianceA Herald announces the decree of the Theban council that Eteocles is to be buried with honour and that Polyneices is to be left unburied, outside the city, to be torn by dogs. Antigone declares that she will bury her brother whatever the decree says. The Chorus divides, one half going with her, the other with the body of Eteocles.
Aeschylus, Seven against Thebes 792–874Fourth episode: the Messenger announces the deathsA Messenger tells the Chorus that the city is saved, since the attackers at six of the gates have been beaten, but that the two brothers have killed each other at the seventh gate, as their father's curse foretold. The Chorus, torn between joy and grief, sing a short lament for the dead princes and the fulfilment of the curse. They then see Antigone and Ismene coming to mourn their brothers.

Sophocles (25)

Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 1714–1779Exodos (cont.): Theseus and the endThe Chorus tell the sisters that his end is blessed, and Antigone wishes that she might see her father's grave. Theseus tells her that Oedipus told him that no one should approach the place or disturb it. She yields, and asks to be sent to Thebes, to prevent the deaths of her brothers. Theseus promises to do that and whatever else he can for them, and the Chorus bid them cease their mourning.
Sophocles, Antigone 1–99Prologue: Antigone and IsmeneAntigone tells her sister Ismene that Creon has ordered Eteocles to be buried with honour while the body of Polyneices is left unburied for the birds, and that anyone who buries him will be stoned to death before the whole city. She asks Ismene to help her lift the corpse. Ismene refuses, saying that they are women and must obey those in power, and Antigone answers that she will bury her brother alone.
Sophocles, Antigone 441–525Second episode: Antigone defies CreonAntigone admits her deed to Creon. She says that his decree was not made by Zeus or by justice, and that she obeyed the unwritten and lasting laws of the gods, which no mortal order can override. Creon, who will not be defeated by a woman, says that she and her sister will not escape a harsh doom.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 1399–1447Fifth episode (cont.): Polyneices goes to his fatePolyneices cries out at the failure of his journey, and asks his sisters, if the curse is fulfilled, to give him burial. Antigone begs him to turn his army back to Argos, since his attack would ruin them both. He answers that he cannot turn back, and that his brother's laughter would be intolerable, and he leaves, saying that they will see him living no more.
Sophocles, Antigone 526–581Second episode (cont.): Ismene shares the blameIsmene is brought out and tries to claim a share in the deed, but Antigone refuses to let her. Ismene asks Creon whether he will really kill the bride of his own son, and Creon says that there are other fields for his son to plough. He orders both women taken inside.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 1–83Prologue: Oedipus and Antigone arrive at the sacred groveThe blind Oedipus asks Antigone where they have come, and she describes the towers of a city far off and a grove thick with laurel, olive and vine, where nightingales sing. She seats him on a rough stone, and a stranger comes and tells him to leave, for the ground is sacred to the dread goddesses, the Eumenides. The stranger tells them that the place is called Colonus and that Theseus is king of Athens, and says that he will tell the people of the district, who will decide whether they may stay.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 1099–1138Fourth episode: the girls are brought backAntigone and Ismene return, brought by Theseus and his followers, and Oedipus embraces them, saying that if he should die he would not be wholly wretched now that he holds his dearest. He thanks Theseus and says that he has found piety among the Athenians above all men. He asks to touch his hand, but then draws back, saying that a man so stained should not be touched.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 1667–1713Exodos: the daughters mournThe Chorus ask where Oedipus' daughters are, and Antigone and Ismene come lamenting the curse that has pursued their family and the hardships of their life with their father. They say that he was snatched away to the fields that no one may see. The Chorus tell them that they must bear the will of the gods, and Antigone says that her father died in the foreign land that he desired.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 118–202Parodos: the Chorus finds OedipusThe Chorus of elders of Colonus look for the stranger who has trespassed on the grove of the goddesses, whose name they dare not speak. They find the blind man, and recoil from the sight, and Oedipus tells them that he is no better to look at than to hear. They order him to come away from the sacred ground to a place where he may speak, and Antigone leads him out to the edge of the rock.
Sophocles, Antigone 883–943Creon's order and Antigone's last wordsCreon orders the guards to take Antigone away and entomb her, and to leave her alone to live or die. Antigone says farewell to the tomb, which she calls her bridal chamber, hopes to be welcome to her parents and her brothers, and asks what law of the gods she has broken, since she is judged irreverent for her reverence.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 800–846aThird episode (cont.): the quarrel and the seizure of AntigoneCreon tells Oedipus that his age has not given him sense, and Oedipus says that his clever speeches are no use. Creon then reveals that he has already seized one of Oedipus' daughters and sent her away, and that he will take the other. The Chorus protest and cry out for the men of Colonus to help as Creon's men drag Antigone away.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 203–253bParodos (cont.): the secret nameThe Chorus ask Oedipus who he is, and he begs them not to ask. When they insist, and Antigone urges him to speak, he gives his name, and the Chorus cry out in horror and tell him to leave the country at once. Antigone pleads with them to take pity on her aged father, who is blind and has no one to guide him but herself.

13 more passages of Sophocles that name Antigone

Euripides (9)

Euripides, Phoenician Women 1639–1766Exodos: Antigone defies Creon; Oedipus goes into exileAntigone argues against Creon's decree, vows to bury Polyneices and refuses to marry Haemon, choosing to share her father's exile. Oedipus embraces his dead family and says that he is to die at Colonus in Athens. He bids the citizens farewell and leaves with Antigone.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 88–144Prologue: Antigone and the old servant watch the Argive army from the roofThe old servant brings Antigone to the roof of the palace, so that she may see the Argive army camped by the Ismenus. He names the leaders Hippomedon and Tydeus as they march past, and Antigone comments on their armor.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 1264–1306Sixth episode: Jocasta and Antigone hurry to stop the duel; the Chorus fearsJocasta calls Antigone out and tells her that they must go and stop their brothers. Antigone hesitates, but follows her mother. The Chorus sings in fear for the mother and asks which son will fall.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 145–201Prologue: Antigone sees Parthenopaeus, Amphiaraus and CapaneusAntigone asks about Parthenopaeus, spots Polyneices beside Adrastus, and sees the prophet Amphiaraus in his chariot. The old servant points out Capaneus, who is measuring the walls for an assault, and Antigone prays against his boasts. The old man sends her back inside before the women arrive.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 1539–1583Exodos: Oedipus learns of the deathsOedipus comes out, led by Antigone, and asks why she has summoned him. She tells him that his sons and his wife are dead, and that his curse has been fulfilled. She describes the duel and Jocasta's death.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 1427–1479Messenger speech: Jocasta's death and the Theban victoryThe Messenger tells how Jocasta and Antigone found the sons dying, and how Polyneices asked to be buried in his native land. Jocasta then killed herself with a sword from the dead. The armies quarreled over the victory, the Thebans attacked and routed the Argives, and they set up a trophy to Zeus.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 748–783Third episode: Eteocles posts the seven captains and forbids burial of PolyneicesEteocles agrees to set captains at the gates, and renews the betrothal of Antigone to Haemon. He asks Creon to send Menoeceus for Teiresias. He orders that Polyneices must be left unburied if he wins, and prays to Caution.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 1584–1638Exodos: Creon banishes Oedipus and forbids burial of PolyneicesCreon tells Oedipus that Eteocles made him ruler and that Teiresias has said that Oedipus must leave. Oedipus laments his fate and says that he will not beg. Creon orders that Polyneices be cast out unburied, on pain of death for anyone who buries him.
Euripides, Phoenician Women 1480–1538aExodos: Antigone's lament over the three bodiesThe Chorus sees three corpses lying at the palace. Antigone comes out, sings of her grief for her mother and brothers, and fears a lonely life ahead. She calls on her blind father to come out of the house.

Pausanias (1)

Pausanias, Description of Greece 9.25.1–10Thebes: tomb of Menoeceus, Dirce, Pindar's house and the CabiriPausanias describes the tomb of Menoeceus with its pomegranate-tree, the pillar marking the single combat of Oedipus' sons and the place called the Dragging of Antigone. He notes the river Dirce, Pindar's house and the sanctuary of Mother Dindymene, and the sanctuaries of Themis, the Fates, Zeus of the Market and Hercules Nose-docker. He ends with the grove and sanctuary of the Cabiri, giving the Theban account of their rites and of the punishment of those who profaned them.