Epicaste meaning

Epicaste is a character in Greek mythology who inadvertently fulfills a prophecy by marrying her own son.


Epicaste definitions

Word backwards etsacipE
Part of speech Proper noun
Syllabic division E-pi-cas-te
Plural The plural of "Epicaste" is "Epicastes."
Total letters 8
Vogais (4) e,i,a,e
Consonants (5) e,p,c,s,t

Mythology is filled with intriguing characters, and one of them is Epicaste. In Greek mythology, Epicaste, also known as Jocasta, was a tragic figure who played a significant role in the story of Oedipus. She was the mother and wife of Oedipus, making her a central figure in his tragic fate.

Background of Epicaste

Epicaste was the daughter of King Menoeceus of Thebes and became the wife of King Laius. Together, they had a son named Oedipus. However, a prophecy foretold that Oedipus would one day kill his father and marry his mother. To prevent this prophecy from coming true, Laius and Epicaste abandoned Oedipus as a baby, hoping to avoid his fate.

The Tragic Fate of Epicaste

As fate would have it, Oedipus unknowingly ended up fulfilling the prophecy. He killed his father, King Laius, in a chance encounter on the road and went on to solve the riddle of the Sphinx, becoming the king of Thebes. Unaware of his true parentage, Oedipus eventually married his mother, Epicaste, fulfilling the prophecy in the most tragic way.

Impact on Oedipus

When Oedipus discovered the truth about his marriage to his mother, he was horrified and blinded himself in anguish. In some versions of the myth, Epicaste couldn't bear the shame and took her own life. The tragic story of Epicaste and Oedipus serves as a cautionary tale about the power of fate and the consequences of trying to defy it.

In conclusion, Epicaste is a tragic figure in Greek mythology whose story is intertwined with that of Oedipus. Her role as both mother and wife to Oedipus highlights the themes of fate, tragedy, and the complex workings of destiny in ancient mythology.


Epicaste Examples

  1. Epicaste was a character in Greek mythology who was the mother of Oedipus.
  2. In literature, Epicaste is often portrayed as a tragic figure who unknowingly commits incest.
  3. The name Epicaste is derived from the Greek words "epi" meaning upon and "kaste" meaning purity.
  4. Some scholars believe that Epicaste's story serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of ignorance.
  5. Epicaste's fate is intertwined with the prophecy that Oedipus would kill his father and marry his mother.
  6. Epicaste's character has been reinterpreted in various plays, poems, and novels throughout history.
  7. The story of Epicaste and Oedipus continues to captivate audiences with its themes of fate and free will.
  8. Epicaste's role as a mother, wife, and victim has sparked discussions about gender roles in ancient society.
  9. The tragic arc of Epicaste's life has been compared to that of other prominent female figures in Greek mythology.
  10. Epicaste's story serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling to explore complex moral dilemmas.


Most accessed

Search the alphabet

  • #
  • Aa
  • Bb
  • Cc
  • Dd
  • Ee
  • Ff
  • Gg
  • Hh
  • Ii
  • Jj
  • Kk
  • Ll
  • Mm
  • Nn
  • Oo
  • Pp
  • Qq
  • Rr
  • Ss
  • Tt
  • Uu
  • Vv
  • Ww
  • Xx
  • Yy
  • Zz
  • Updated 23/04/2024 - 03:51:13