Greek Mythology Notes
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Adrastus

hero
Ἄδραστος
King who led the Seven Against Thebes

Adrastus was the only survivor of the Seven Against Thebes — he escaped on his divine horse Arion and later led the Epigoni to avenge their fathers.

The Myth

King of Argos, Adrastus assembled the expedition against Thebes when Polynices sought his help. All seven champions died except Adrastus, saved by his divine horse Arion (offspring of Poseidon). Ten years later, he led the Epigoni — the champions' sons — and this time Thebes fell. But Adrastus's own son Aegialeus was the only Epigonos killed, and Adrastus died of grief.

Parents

Talaus and Lysimache

Children

Aegialeus, Argeia, Deipyle

Symbols

divine horse Arionseven gatessole survivor

Fun Fact

Adrastus is one of Greek myth's great tragic ironists — he survived when he should have died, then his son died when all others survived.

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