The Death of Capaneus
Capaneus boasts that even Zeus cannot prevent him from taking Thebes, and is struck down by a divine thunderbolt.
The Story
Capaneus was one of the champions who attacked Thebes.
He became famous not simply for courage but for extraordinary arrogance.
During the assault, Capaneus attempted to scale the walls of the city.
He boasted that not even Zeus could stop him.
The challenge transformed a military attack into an act of defiance against divine authority.
Zeus answered.
A thunderbolt struck Capaneus.
He fell from the walls and died.
The death became one of the most memorable moments associated with the Seven Against Thebes.
Capaneus had survived human enemies only to provoke a god directly.
His fall also became important in later tragedy through the grief and loyalty of his wife Evadne.
The failed expedition was already disastrous.
The destruction of Capaneus demonstrated that arrogance toward the gods could make the catastrophe even worse.
Key Figures
Why It Matters
Capaneus' death is one of Greek mythology's clearest examples of hubris answered immediately by divine punishment.
Traditions & Variations
Different ancient works vary in the precise circumstances of the assault, but Capaneus' boast and death by Zeus' thunderbolt are central to the tradition.