ISMENE (princess of Thebes)

In her childhood, Ismene was betrothed to Atys and was referred to as his beloved.^3,4 She lived as a faithful guardian and guide to her father Oedipus, bringing him oracles and tidings and seeking out where he dwelt.⁵ When the brothers Eteocles and Polyneices died in a single day, Ismene was robbed of them both, and she arrived to perform the mourning ritual for her deceased kin.^6,7 She expressed deep grief and groaning in her heart, lamenting that Eteocles died by the spear he had used to kill his own nearest relative.^8,9,10

When her sister Antigone defied the law to bury their brother, Ismene refused to help, deciding instead to obey the current authority figures and ask the gods for pardon.^11,12 She expressed fear for Antigone's safety and criticized her for craving the impossible, though she acknowledged that Antigone's love for their loved ones was true.¹² Ismene claimed she was naturally incapable of violating the citizens' will, and she asked Antigone to keep her planned deed secret.¹²

As Antigone faced her death, Ismene was taken inside by servants to be guarded, while her sister was destined to die.¹³ Ismene claimed she had performed the burial deed to share Antigone's guilt, but Antigone denied her any part in the act because she had not helped.¹⁴ Antigone forbade Ismene from sharing her death or claiming unperformed deeds, telling her to save herself and escape death.¹⁴ Ismene asked Antigone to let her die with her to honor the dead, but her sister refused, leaving Ismene alive while Antigone perished.^14,13

She was rescued from wandering by Theseus and his followers, and she entered the scene alongside Antigone and Theseus's attendants.¹⁵ Ismene expressed despair about her own abandoned and helpless existence, asking what fate awaited her and Antigone after their father's death.^16,17 She expressed a wish to die alongside her father, stating she could not endure the life ahead of her, yet she remained a figure of plain speech and quiet endurance.^18,19