Amphiaraus
Amphiaraus was a warrior-prophet who foresaw his death in the Seven Against Thebes but marched anyway, bound by his wife's betrayal.
The Legend of Amphiaraus
A seer descended from the prophet Melampus, Amphiaraus foresaw his own death in the march against Thebes but was bound by an oath. His wife Eriphyle, bribed with Harmonia's cursed necklace, revealed his hiding place to Polynices and Adrastus. As he fled the battlefield at Thebes, Zeus split the earth open and swallowed him alive, chariot and all. Apollo honoured his gift of prophecy by establishing an oracle at his swallowing-place. His sons later avenged him, and the necklace continued its curse through Delphi.
Parents
Oicles and Hypermnestra
Children
Alcmaeon, Amphilochus
Symbols
Fun Fact
His oracle at Oropos operated by incubation — suppliants slept in the temple and received healing visions.
Explore Further
Amphiaraus
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