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Metamorphoses · Character

Cadmus

The exiled prince who founded Thebes by sowing dragon's teeth, only to watch his own descendants destroy each other.

supporting

First appearance: Story of Cadmus

As a supporting figure in Metamorphoses, Cadmus is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Founder of Thebes who slays a serpent and sows its teeth, giving rise to armed men.
In the storyBook IIIOpen this moment free

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Cadmus builds Thebes from a field of armed men who rise from dragon's teeth and immediately slaughter one another, leaving only five to help him rule. He marries Harmonia, daughter of gods, and lives long enough to see…

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The fuller portrait of Cadmus sits in Reading Lens — open the free preview to keep reading with notes on the page.

See Cadmus in Story of Cadmus

Character Web

14 connections

A slice of how Cadmus sits in the book — open the reader for the full interactive map.

RORomulusALAlcyoneJUJunoMIMinervaECEchoCACadmus

Relationship types

  • Other

Character groups

  • Diverse mortals and gods in transformation
  • Heroes, gods, and their victims
  • Myths of love, pride, and punishment

+9 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

SetupEscalationAftermathClimax
  • Setup
  • Escalation
  • Breaking point
  • Aftermath
  • Closing

This is the story's dramatic climax because it presents the emotional and psychological peak of Telethusa’s de…

Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.

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In the story

Cadmus appears across 3 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Chapter companion notes

Spoil-light check-ins for Cadmus unlock in the free preview.

See Cadmus in Story of Cadmus