Abstract

The article discusses thematic representations of the city of Thebes in the two central myths of Phoinissai: that of autochthony and the family of Oedipus. The author examines the aberrant nature of autochthonic reproduction specifically in relation to the femaleness of the earth and the effect of this on the present generation, also taking into account the complex ‘gendering’ of the last of the autochthons, Menoikeus, who dies for the city. Discussion of the city’s role in the Oedipus myth includes the complex relationship of Oedipus’ two sons with their native city and associated difficulties of identity and belonging which are linked with the family history of violence between males and with a problematic connection with the native- or fatherland.