Argia (mythology)

Argia, in Greek mythology, is the name of several figures, the most prominent being:

• Argia, daughter of Adrastus and Amphithea: She was the wife of Polynices, one of the Seven Against Thebes. Her father, King Adrastus of Argos, had promised his daughters, Argia and Deipyle, in marriage to the two exiled princes, Polynices and Tydeus, fulfilling a prophecy. Argia is best known for her courage and piety in defying Creon's decree forbidding the burial of Polynices after the failed siege of Thebes. With the help of Antigone, she secretly buried her husband, leading to their capture and Antigone's subsequent tragic fate. Her motivation was rooted in honoring the sacred duty to bury the dead and showing respect for her husband. This act positions her as a figure of unwavering loyalty and resistance against unjust laws.

• Argia, a nymph: A nymph associated with Argos, though details regarding her specific role and parentage are scarce.

The significance of Argia, daughter of Adrastus, lies primarily in her role in Sophocles' play Antigone and other literary works recounting the Theban Cycle. She represents a contrasting perspective to Creon's rigid adherence to the law, highlighting the conflict between human law and divine law, and the importance of honoring familial obligations.