ERIPHYLE (daughter of Talaus in Greek mythology)

Amphiaraus had sworn to let Eriphyle decide future disputes with Adrastus, and she judged the kingship dispute in favor of Adrastus.^8,2 According to Homer, the bribe was a necklace made entirely of gold, while other accounts mention a chain used to bury Amphiaraus.^9,10,11 Eriphyle gave her opinion that the campaign against Thebes should be undertaken and persuaded Amphiaraus to join the expedition.^2,8 She was also bribed to persuade her son Alcmaeon to join the campaign against Thebes, causing his ruin.^12,13

Eriphyle was bribed with a golden necklace and a robe to betray her husband Amphiaraus and cause his death.^12,14 Guided by an oracle from Apollo and his father’s dying orders, Alcmaeon killed his mother, though some accounts state he did so with his brother Amphilochus.^13,2 Alcmaeon was excluded from certain honors due to his mistreatment of Eriphyle.¹⁵

Following the murder, Alcmaeon consecrated Eriphyle's ornaments at the temple of Delphi, and her necklace was later stolen by the wives of Onomarchus, Phayllus, and Phalæcus.¹¹ Eriphyle’s tomb was located opposite the sanctuary of Amphiaraus, while a robe used to bribe her was kept in a sanctuary at Gabala.^16,6,17 An avenging spirit associated with Eriphyle pursued her son after her death, though it would not follow him to land newly raised by the sea.¹⁸

In the underworld, Eriphyle resides in the Fields of Sorrow among other ghosts, displaying the wounds inflicted by her son's dagger.¹⁹ She is identified as the slayer of her husband, having accepted a golden necklace and a robe as rewards.^4,14