Polynices

His sons argued over the throne, but Eteocles gained the support of the Thebans and expelled Polynices, who went to Oedipus to ask for his blessing to retake the city, but instead was cursed to die by his brother's hand.

In Hellanicus' account, Eteocles offers his brother his choice of either the rule of the city or a share of the property.

Adrastos promises to do so and to that end sets out to gather an expeditionary force to march against Thebes.

The expedition soon proved to be complete disaster, as all of the Argive champions (save for Adrastus) were slain in the ensuing battle; Polynices and Eteocles face off against one another in single combat and kill each other.

Unlike their fathers before them, these Epigoni are successful in their attempt to take Thebes, after which they install Thersander, Polynices' son by Argia, as the city's new ruler.

King Creon, who ascended to the throne of Thebes, decreed that Polynices was not to be buried or even mourned, on pain of death by stoning.

When Creon arrived at the tomb where she was to be interred, his son Haemon made as if to attack him and then killed himself.