ETEOKLES One of the two sons of Oedipus and Jokaste, who, after the abdication of their father, ruled in Thebes, each for a year apiece, as per their agreement. However, when the time came for Polyneikes to take over his place on the throne, Eteokles refused to yield, and in fact exiled his brother from the city. Polyneikes gathered to him six heroes, and marched against Thebes, intent on regaining his rightful place on the throne. In fighting against his brother on the return of his army to Thebes, Polyneikes slew Eteokles, but was himself slain by his brother.