Cadmus Founds Thebes
Searching for Europa, Cadmus follows an oracle into Greece, kills a dragon and becomes the legendary founder of Thebes.
The Story
Cadmus began his journey as part of the search for his missing sister Europa.
He was unable to find her.
Instead, an oracle redirected his path.
Cadmus was told to follow a cow and establish a settlement where the animal finally stopped.
The journey led him into Boeotia.
There Cadmus needed water for a sacrifice.
His companions encountered a dragon associated with a sacred spring.
The creature killed them.
Cadmus then fought and killed the dragon himself.
Following divine instruction, he sowed the dragon's teeth into the ground.
Armed warriors sprang from the earth.
These warriors became known as the Spartoi, the Sown Men.
After they fought among themselves, survivors remained who became associated with the leading families of Thebes.
Cadmus founded the city traditionally known as Cadmeia, the citadel of Thebes.
He later married Harmonia.
Their descendants would become part of one of the most troubled dynasties in Greek mythology, eventually leading toward stories involving Semele, Dionysus, Oedipus and the wars of Thebes.
Key Figures
Why It Matters
Cadmus provides the foundation story for Thebes and connects the Europa tradition with the later Theban cycle.
Traditions & Variations
Ancient traditions vary over details of the oracle, dragon and Spartoi. Cadmus' association with the foundation of Thebes remained fundamental.