Amphiaraus

Amphiaraus was a king of Argos and a renowned seer in Greek mythology. He was the son of Oicles and Hypermnestra, and the husband of Eriphyle, to whom he was married by his uncle Adrastus. Amphiaraus possessed the gift of prophecy, and his foresight was highly respected.

He is most famously known for his involvement in the ill-fated expedition of the Seven Against Thebes. Despite knowing the prophecy that all the seven leaders, including himself, would die in the campaign, Amphiaraus was compelled to join. He was persuaded by his wife Eriphyle, who had been bribed by Polynices with a magical necklace (either from Harmonia or a gift from Aphrodite) to convince Amphiaraus to go.

Amphiaraus, bound by his oath, reluctantly set out. Before leaving, he instructed his sons, Alcmaeon and Amphilochus, to take revenge on Thebes and on their mother Eriphyle for her role in his death. During the battle, Amphiaraus was pursued by Periclymenus and, to escape, Zeus struck the earth with a thunderbolt, opening a chasm into which Amphiaraus and his chariot vanished. He was believed to have been swallowed by the earth and is said to have become an immortal, revered as a hero and a god of prophecy in certain cults, particularly at Oropus. His tragic fate highlights the themes of destiny, prophecy, and the conflict between duty and survival in Greek mythology.