Cadmus' Cursed Family | Greeking Out Podcast | NEW | S11 E9 | @natgeokids

Key Concepts:

• Cadmus: Phoenician prince, founder of Thebes, husband of Harmonia.
• Europa: Cadmus' sister, abducted by Zeus.
• Thebes: City founded by Cadmus, plagued by misfortunes.
• Oracle of Delphi: Source of prophecies and guidance.
• Athena: Goddess of wisdom, helps Cadmus.
• Dracon/Dragon: Serpent slain by Cadmus, associated with a curse.
• Spartoi: Warriors grown from dragon's teeth.
• Harmonia: Daughter of Ares and Aphrodite, wife of Cadmus.
• Necklace of Harmonia: Cursed or divine object, source of drama.
• Semily: Cadmus' daughter, mother of Dionysus, killed by Hera's trickery.
• Dionysus: God of wine, son of Semily and Zeus.
• Ino: Cadmus' daughter, persecuted by Hera, becomes a sea nymph.
• Aries: God of war, father of Harmonia, owner of the slain serpent.
• Transformation: Cadmus and Harmonia become serpents.

Cadmus' Quest for Europa and the Oracle's Guidance

Cadmus, a Phoenician prince and brother to Europa, was tasked by his father to find his sister after she was abducted by Zeus. After a fruitless search, Cadmus consulted the Oracle of Delphi. The Oracle instructed him to abandon the search for Europa and instead follow a sacred cow. The cow would lead him to the location where he was destined to found a new city.

Founding of Thebes and the Dragon Serpent

Cadmus followed the cow to the region of Biosha in Greece. When the cow rested, Cadmus decided to sacrifice it to Athena. His men went to find water for the sacrifice and encountered a spring guarded by a giant serpent (dracon). The serpent killed Cadmus' men. Cadmus fought and killed the serpent with a javelin.

The Curse and Athena's Instructions

After slaying the serpent, Cadmus heard a voice foretelling that he would one day become a serpent himself. Athena appeared and instructed him to plant the serpent's teeth in the ground.

The Spartoi and the Founding of Thebes

From the planted teeth sprang an army of warriors, the Spartoi. The warriors began fighting each other, and only five survived. Cadmus used these remaining warriors to build the city of Thebes on the spot where the cow had rested.

Marriage to Harmonia and Family Tragedies

Cadmus married Harmonia, the daughter of Ares and Aphrodite, in a ceremony attended by gods and humans. Harmonia received a necklace made by Hephaestus, which was either cursed or attracted trouble. Cadmus' family was plagued by tragedies:

• His grandson was turned into a stag by Artemis and killed by his own dogs.
• His daughter Semily was tricked by Hera and killed, though Zeus saved her son Dionysus.
• His daughters Agavei and Atonony were driven mad by Dionysus and killed their family members.
• His daughter Ino was persecuted by Hera and threw herself into the sea, becoming a sea nymph.

Transformation into Serpents

Haunted by the tragedies afflicting his family and remembering the curse, Cadmus prayed to the gods to take the punishment on himself. He was transformed into a serpent. Harmonia, distraught, asked to share his fate and was also transformed into a serpent. Zeus then transported them to the Elian fields.

Aries' Pet Serpent and the Importance of Communication

Cadmus learned that the serpent he had killed was the pet of Ares, his father-in-law, and guarded a sacred spring. The video emphasizes the importance of communication to avoid conflict and curses. A role-play scenario illustrates how a conversation between Cadmus and Aries could have prevented the tragic outcome.

Conclusion

Despite the tragedies and curses, the video presents the transformation of Cadmus and Harmonia into serpents as a "happy ending," as they were together. The Oracle disagrees, highlighting the family's suffering. The video concludes with a preview of the next episode and credits to the production team.