# Cadmus — Metamorphoses character guide

> Cadmus in Metamorphoses by Ovid.

**Role:** supporting

**First appearance:** 0021-story-of-cadmus

## Snapshot

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

## Who they are

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 his grandson Actaeon torn apart by his own dogs. His story opens the Theban cycle that dominates much of the poem — a city founded in blood, whose royal house never escapes it.

## In the story

### [Book III](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/book-iii)

Founder of Thebes who slays a serpent and sows its teeth, giving rise to armed men.

### [Story of Cadmus](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/story-of-cadmus)

Protagonist who follows the oracle, slays the dragon, sows its teeth, and founds Boeotia.

### [Cadmus and His Queen Transformed Into Serpents](https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/chapters/cadmus-and-his-queen-transformed-into-serpents)

Wearied and aged, Cadmus mourns his past and prays to be transformed into a serpent; his wish is granted, and he becomes a gentle serpent.

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/characters/cadmus
- Book: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se
- All characters: https://www.betterreads.dev/discover/metamorphoses_se/characters