Euryganeia

In Greek mythology, Euryganeia (Ancient Greek: Εὐρυγάνεια, Eurygáneia) was a Theban queen.

Family

Euryganeia was either a daughter of Hyperphas,^[1][2] and thus, sister to Euryanassa.^[3] In some sources, she was described as Jocasta's sister, which would make her Oedipus' aunt.^[4] Euryganeia was occasionally named as Oedipus' second wife and the mother of his children, Polynices, Eteocles, Ismene and Antigone.^[5] According to Pausanias, the statement at Odyssey 11.274—that the gods soon made the incestuous marriage between Oedipus and his mother Jocasta known—is incompatible with her bearing four children to him.^[6] The geographer cites the Oedipodeia as evidence for the fact that Euryganeia was actually the mother of Oedipus' brood.^[7] Pherecydes, on the other hand, attributed two sons (named Phrastor and Laonytus) to the marriage of Jocasta and Oedipus, but agreed that the more famous foursome were the children of Euryganeia.^[8]

Mythology

There was a painting of Euryganeia at Plataea in which she was depicted as mournful because of the strife between her children.^[9] Following Euryganeia's death, Oedipus married Astymedusa, who plotted against her stepsons.^[10][11]

See also

• List of mortals in Greek mythology