In the translation of "Antigone" by Thomas Bulfinch, after the death of Oedipus, his sons Eteocles and Polynices are assigned to share the kingdom, rotating after each year. At the end of his first year, Eteocles refuses to give up the throne and Polynices is outraged. Polynices goes to Adrastus, the king of Argos, where Adrastus helps him to get back the kingdom and also gives Polynices his daughter's hand in marriage. Meanwhile, Eteocles goes to consult with Tiresias, the blind prophet to see what he could do to win the battle. Tiresias informs him that the only way that Thebes can win is if Creon sacrifices his son Menoeceus. Menoeceus does, as he believes is right--- sacrifices himself. The two brothers fight many fights, neither winning completely. Both parties agree that there will be a single battle between the brothers and whoever wins...