Haemon

Haemon (Greek Αἵμων ) In Greek mythology, the son of Creon and Eurydice.

When Oedipus stepped down as King of Thebes, he gave the kingdom to his two sons, Eteocles and Polynices, agreed to reign alternately year. After the first year, however, Eteocles refused to step down, which is why Polynices of Thebes with its allies attacked ( the Seven Against Thebes). Both brothers died in the battle. Creon, who afterwards ascended the throne of Thebes, forbade to bury Polynices because he had fought against his native city. Antigone, Polynices ' sister, defied the order, but was caught.

From here the versions differ. As described in the tragedy of Sophocles Antigone, Creon decreed that Antigone - although betrothed to his son Haemon - should be buried alive as punishment. She hanged herself to escape this fate; as Haemon found her corpse, he also took his own life. According to a tragedy of Euripides Dionysus stepped in after the verdict and caused Creon to let Antigone alive and give the Haimon to wife. According to Hyginus, in turn, Creon ordered his son to kill Antigone. Haemon but it returned to shepherds in the country and lived there with her in secret marriage. Years later, a son went from this connection to Thebes; Creon, however, recognized its origin to a birthmark. In vain himself stepped Heracles fled for a couple; whereupon Haemon killed himself and his wife.