Part 3 Summary

The Scout returns with news of the armies outside the gates of Thebes and the generals leading them. Eteocles also returns with generals of his own. As the Scout describes each of the enemy generals, which gate he's set to attack, and the emblem on his shield, Eteocles decides which of his generals would be the best match, and sends each one off to do battle. After each general is decided, the Chorus prays to one of the gods to guide and inspire that general to victory.

The first general is Tydeus, extremely violent, eager for battle, and frustrated that a prophet (and fellow general) has forbidden him to cross a river outside the city because "the omens aren't good." His shield has an emblem of Hekate, the goddess of the night. Eteocles vows not to be afraid of Tydeus and then himself...