Ismene in the ancient sources

Ancient Sources / Figures / Ismene

12 passages from 3 ancient authors that tell of Ismene, in the original with English translation, author by author in the order the Greeks read them. Ismene was the name of a character in Greek mythology, the daughter of Oedipus and his mother Jocasta. She was the sister of Antigone, Eteocles and Po... For the story in one place, read our article on Ismene.

Apollodorus (1)

Apollodorus, The Library (Bibliotheca), with the Epitome 2.1.1–5Inachus, Io and the DanaidsThe line of Inachus of Argos runs through Phoroneus and Apis to Argus the All-seeing, whom Hermes kills while he guards Io, whom Zeus has turned into a cow. Io wanders to Egypt and bears Epaphus, whose descendants include the twins Belus and Agenor. Belus's twin sons Aegyptus and Danaus quarrel over the kingdom, Danaus flees to Argos with his fifty daughters, and they are married to Aegyptus's sons and kill them on the wedding night, all but Hypermnestra, who spares Lynceus.

Aeschylus (2)

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 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 (9)

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 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 361–420First episode (cont.): Ismene's news from ThebesIsmene tells of the quarrel of her brothers, who first wished to leave the throne to Creon but are now fighting for it, and of Polyneices, who has been driven out and is raising an army at Argos. She brings oracles saying that the Thebans will need Oedipus, living or dead, and that Creon will come to settle him on the border of Theban land. Oedipus asks whether his sons knew this and still preferred the throne, and she answers that they did.
Sophocles, Oedipus at Colonus 311–360First episode (cont.): Ismene arrivesAntigone sees a woman mounted on a colt and wearing a Thessalian hat, and Ismene comes, greeting her father and sister. She says that she has come with news and with the only faithful servant that she had. Oedipus bitterly compares his daughters, who labour for him, with his sons, who stay at home in the way of Egyptian men while the women work.
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, Oedipus at Colonus 495–550Second episode: Oedipus tells his story; Theseus arrivesOedipus says that he cannot go to make the offering himself, being weak and blind, and Ismene goes to perform the rite for him. The Chorus ask him to tell his story, and he says that he suffered through unintended deeds, in a marriage into which the city bound him unknowing and in a killing which he did in ignorance. The Chorus announce that Theseus, the son of Aegeus, has come at the sound of his voice.
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, Antigone 724–780Third episode (cont.): the quarrel of father and sonThe Chorus urge both to listen, but the quarrel grows worse, and Haemon says that Antigone will not die at his side and that Creon will never see his face again before he storms out. Creon decides to spare Ismene, and to entomb Antigone alive in a rocky vault with only as much food as piety requires so that the city may escape defilement.
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.