Theseus

Family: Athens · Role: king of Athens · First appears: Sophocles, Oedipus At Colonos — Scene 1

In Athens, Theseus, king of Athens and child of Aegeus, received Oedipus under the city’s protection and defended him against Creon. He offered Oedipus refuge, pursued and recovered Antigone and Ismene from their captors, and brought Polynices safely before him. At Oedipus’s request, Theseus swore to protect the daughters and preserve their father’s secret resting place: “He, with grand calmness like his noble self, Promised on oath to keep this friendly bond.” He alone witnessed Oedipus’s mysterious departure, then guarded the tomb and agreed to send an escort to return Antigone and Ismene home.

Later, Theseus was described as the son of Aethra and Poseidon. He married Hippolyta and fathered Hippolytus, then married Phaedra. After killing Pallas, he went into banishment with Phaedra at Trœzene. When Phaedra died, Theseus believed her accusation against Hippolytus, invoked one of Poseidon’s promised curses, and banished his son without accepting his defense. Poseidon’s answer caused Hippolytus’s death; afterward, Artemis revealed that Theseus had killed him unjustly, while Hippolytus forgave his father.

In another account, Heracles brought Theseus back from the underworld after their expedition for the belt. Theseus later came with armed Athenian youths to aid Heracles against Lycus, found Heracles’ household devastated, and urged him to endure the gods’ punishment. He offered Heracles refuge and purification in Athens, along with a palace and a share of his wealth.