Eriphyle- Greek FigureMortal
Also known as: Eriphyla and Ἐριφύλη
Symbols
Description
Twice bribed with the cursed treasures of Harmonia, Eriphyle twice sent her family to war at Thebes. The first time, the necklace cost her husband Amphiaraus his life. The second time, the robe sent her own sons to fight. One of them came home to kill her.
Mythology & Lore
The Arbiter
Eriphyle was the sister of King Adrastus of Argos and the wife of the seer Amphiaraus. The two men had feuded over the Argive throne until Eriphyle's marriage settled the dispute. As part of the agreement, Eriphyle would judge any future quarrel between them, and both men swore to abide by her decision.
The Necklace
When Polynices came to Argos seeking allies against Thebes, Amphiaraus refused to march. He could see the future, and the future held death for every champion but Adrastus. Polynices went to Eriphyle instead and offered her the Necklace of Harmonia, forged by Hephaestus for Harmonia's wedding to Cadmus. Eriphyle took the necklace and ordered Amphiaraus to war.
Amphiaraus had no choice. Before he left, he called his sons Alcmaeon and Amphilochus and told them: if he did not come back, they were to kill their mother. Then he rode south. At Thebes, Zeus split the ground beneath his chariot and the earth swallowed him whole.
The Robe
A generation later, the sons of the fallen Seven assembled their own expedition against Thebes. Eriphyle was bribed again, this time with the Robe of Harmonia, to send Alcmaeon and Amphilochus to war. The Epigoni took the city. When Alcmaeon returned, he fulfilled his father's command and killed his mother.
Relationships
- Slain by