NYCTEUS IN GREEK MYTHOLOGY
Nycteus was a one time ruler of the city of Thebes in Greek mythology, although he ruled not as king, but as regent for the young Labdacus.
The Parentage of Nycteus
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There are conflicting stories as to the parentage of Nycteus. Linking Nycteus directly with Thebes, Apollodorus tells of Nycteus, and his brother Lycus, being sons of Chthonius, one of the five surviving Spartoi.
Others though, tell of Nycteus, and Lycus, being sons of Hyrieus and the nymph Clonia, along with a third brother, the famed hunter, Orion. Other sources also tell of Nycteus potentially being a son of Poseidon and Alcyone, or Poseidon and Calaeno. |
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Nycteus in Thebes
Nycteus and Lycus had been forced into exile as young men, for they were said to have been connected to the murder of Phlegyas, the King of the Lapiths.
They wandered to Hyria, and then to Thebes, where Nycteus and Lycus were given a warm welcome by Pentheus, the then king of the city of Cadmus.
Nycteus was wed to a woman named Polyxo, by whom he became father to two daughters, Nycteis and Antiope. When of age, Nycteus see his daughter Nycteis marry Polydorus, king of Thebes, and the son of the man who had welcomed Nycteus and Lycus.
Nycteus would subsequently become a grandfather to Labdacus, but then Polydorus died, possibly through illness. Before his death though, Polydorus appointed Nycteus as regent, so Nycteus was to rule until Labdacus was of age.
They wandered to Hyria, and then to Thebes, where Nycteus and Lycus were given a warm welcome by Pentheus, the then king of the city of Cadmus.
Nycteus was wed to a woman named Polyxo, by whom he became father to two daughters, Nycteis and Antiope. When of age, Nycteus see his daughter Nycteis marry Polydorus, king of Thebes, and the son of the man who had welcomed Nycteus and Lycus.
Nycteus would subsequently become a grandfather to Labdacus, but then Polydorus died, possibly through illness. Before his death though, Polydorus appointed Nycteus as regent, so Nycteus was to rule until Labdacus was of age.
The Death of Nycteus |
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Fate though would intervene, Nycteus’ other daughter, Antiope, was seduced by Zeus, and promptly became pregnant. Antiope was then either abducted by King Epopeus of Sicyon, or fled there for sanctuary.
Some say that Nycteus committed suicide when he found his daughter gone, although more commonly it was claimed that Nycteus attacked Sicyon with a Theban army. The armies of Thebes and Sicyon were evenly matched. Nycteus could not gain any advantage on the battlefield, and as the battle raged, Nycteus was mortally wounded. There was though sufficient time, for Nycteus to be carried back to Thebes, were he would die of his wounds. |
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Nycteus Avenged
Before he died, Nycteus passed the regency of Thebes to his brother Lycus, who now ruled in the stead of Labdacus. Lycus also avenged the death of his brother, for he raised a new Theban army, attaching Sicyon. Epopeus was killed, and the pregnant daughter of Nycteus was returned to Thebes.
The city of Thebes would be ruled by all three of Nycteus’ grandsons, Labdacus, son of Nycteis, and Amphion and Zethus, sons of Antiope.
The city of Thebes would be ruled by all three of Nycteus’ grandsons, Labdacus, son of Nycteis, and Amphion and Zethus, sons of Antiope.
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Colin Quartermain - Nycteus - 15th April 2023