Polyneices

literary character

Polyneices is a character from Greek mythology, recognized as the brother of Eteocles and the son of Oedipus. He is often portrayed as the exiled brother who returns to Thebes to reclaim his birthright, leading to a fierce conflict with Eteocles. His struggle is emblematic of the themes of justice and moral duty, particularly in the context of the tragic consequences of fraternal rivalry. In Sophocles' 'Antigone', Polyneices' fate becomes central to the conflict between the laws of the state and the laws of the gods, as his sister Antigone seeks to honor him with a proper burial despite the edict against it.