Definition

Proper noun 1. A figure in Greek mythology: Cadmus is the brother of Europa and is traditionally credited as the founder of the ancient Greek city of Thebes in Boeotia. He is a significant culture hero in myth, often associated with the introduction of the Phoenician alphabet to the Greeks.

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • In the myth, Cadmus searched far and wide for his sister Europa after she was abducted by Zeus.
  • The legendary founder of Thebes was Cadmus.
  • Cadmus is said to have sown dragon's teeth, from which armed warriors sprang.

Advanced Usage

• "Cadmean victory": A victory that comes at a ruinous cost, akin to a Pyrrhic victory. This derives from the story of Cadmus and the warriors sprung from the dragon's teeth, who fought each other until only a few survived.
  • Winning the lengthy legal case felt like a Cadmean victory, as it bankrupted the company.

Variants and Related Words

• Cadmean (adjective): Pertaining to Cadmus or Thebes.
  • The Cadmean alphabet was said to be the precursor to the Greek script.

Synonyms

• Founder of Thebes: The primary mythological role of Cadmus.
• Culture hero: A mythological hero who discovers an important cultural element.

Related Phrases

• To sow dragon's teeth: To take an action that inadvertently leads to trouble or conflict. This idiom originates directly from the myth of Cadmus.
  • His inflammatory speech sowed dragon's teeth, leading to years of discord within the community.

Noun

1. (Greek mythology) the brother of Europa and traditional founder of Thebes in Boeotia