Theban princess of Greek mythology

Nycteis

Nycteis is a princess of Greek mythology, daughter of King Nycteus, who married Polydorus, one of the kings of Thebes, and became the mother of Labdacus. Her figure links the founding family of the city, tied to Cadmus and Harmonia, with the royal line that followed.

The myth

According to the tradition preserved in Greek texts, Nycteis was the daughter of Nycteus and Polyxo. She married Polydorus, son of Cadmus and Harmonia, who ruled Thebes. From this marriage came Labdacus, who would become king of the city.

The story is brief and has no major episodes of its own: Nycteis matters chiefly as a wife and mother and for the genealogical connection she creates. Her sources place her within a Theban royal family, and they mention her alongside her sister Antiope, with whom she shares the lineage of Nycteus.