Law in Antigone

Throughout the story, we are told that Kreon, the king of Thebes, is the one whose authority determines the law. The play revolves around a major issue regarding the burial of the brothers who killed each other—Eteokles and Polyneikes—who are also Antigone’s brothers. Eteokles was given an honorable burial, “according to law and custom” since he died fighting to protect Thebes. However, Polyneikes died ravaging Thebes and consequently did not receive the same treatment. Instead, Kreon issued a law prohibiting anyone in Thebes from mourning or burying him and whoever who chose to violate this law would be sentenced to die.

Antigone, enraged at this, went ahead and gave Polyneikes a proper burial anyways, for that is required according to the gods. Once she is caught, Kreon orders for her to be locked up in a cave underground until she dies.  Kreon’s son, Haimon, who is engaged to marry Antigone, urges his father to stop for he is committing a huge mistake. However, Kreon–thinking he’s all powerful– refuses to listen to his son and does not attempt to fix his mistake until he hears from the Prophet Tiresias, but it is too late. Antigone has hung herself, Haimon kills himself at the sight of his vengeful father, and Kreon’s wife kills herself upon hearing of her son’s death.

Before being sent to her death, Antigone states:

It wasn’t Zeus who issued me

this order. And Justice—who lives below—

was not involved. They’d never condone it!

I deny that your edicts—since you, a mere man,

Imposed them—have the force to trample on

The god’s unwritten and infallible laws.

This passage, as well as what ultimately happens in the story emphasizes whose authority determines the law. It is evident that the gods have the final say in what actions must and must not be performed—this being because they have the greatest power and rule over all human beings. Kreon attempted to issue a law that contradicts the gods wish and suffered extreme losses as well as deep pains. Although the gods did not directly interfere with the how the events played out, they ensured Kreon got what he deserved. Law in Antigone, can be described as the gods will. No human being has the power or authority to issue anything that does not coincide with the gods views and ultimate desires. If they do so, they are being disrespectful and foolish and will be extremely punished.