NYCTEUS (king of Thebes)
Figure of myth · king of Thebes
- Parents
- Chthonius, Hyrieus, Clonia
- Siblings
- Lycus
- Consorts
- Polyxo
- Children
- Antiope, Nyctimene, Nycteïs
- In the sources
- 10 ancient passages
Nycteus, a ruler associated with the territory of Thebes, was the son of Chthonius in one account, while others named Hyrieus and the nymph Clonia as his parents.1,2,3 He held the government of the state and was the brother of Lycus.1,4,5 His lineage included his daughter Antiope, whom he had with Polyxo, and another daughter, Nycteis, who married the Theban king Polydorus.1,2
Nycteus founded the colony of Hysiae, also known as Hyria, and was entrusted with the care of the young Labdacus.6,5,7 During a battle against Epopeus, he was seriously wounded and transported back to Thebes.6 Before dying shortly after his return, he appointed his brother Lycus as regent of Thebes.6 He requested Lycus to attack Aegialea to avenge Epopeus.6
Tragedy struck when Antiope became pregnant by Zeus, prompting Nycteus to devise a wrong against her and threaten her.1,3,8 He charged his brother Lycus to punish Antiope and her husband if she was captured.1,6 When Antiope fled to Sicyon, Nycteus committed suicide.1 Some reports claimed Asopus, not Nycteus, was Antiope's father, and Asius claimed Nycteus was the father of Callisto.9,3
The codex facts behind this entry
Nycteus was the father of Antiope, who bore children by Zeus. Apollodorus 3.5.5 +1
In the myths
Nycteus devised a wrong against Antiope and threatened her when she became pregnant by Zeus. Apollodorus 3.5.5 +1 Nycteus was entrusted with the care of the young Labdacus. Pausanias 2.6.2 +1 Nycteus charged his brother Lycus to punish Antiope and her husband if she was captured. Apollodorus 3.5.5 +1
