Creon and AntigoneAntigone Sophocles When a dictator dies, his image and fame die with him, but when a self-sacrificing individual dies, his legacy begins. This statement is true because oppressed citizens do not fondly mention a wicked ruler, such as Creon from Antigone, after his death. Yet a martyr like Antigone, also from the story of Antigone, is remembered for her acts of self-sacrifice. Creon will not be remembered because he did not allow Antigone to bury her deceased brother Polyneices and decides to execute Antigone for trying while Antigone's legacy will live on because she has the courage to defy Creon and chooses to sacrifice himself for the honor of Polyneices. First, Creon is a tyrant. His reign will not be remembered for many reasons, one being that he desecrated the family's honor. When a son or father dies in combat, he is brought home to be properly buried by his family. Eteocles, Antigone's other deceased brother, is a patriot and is buried because he fights for Thebes. However, Polyneices was not buried because he rebelled against Thebes. Creon leaves Polyneices' body attacked by dogs and vultures. This angers the people of Thebes because family honor is very important to them. Therefore, the people of Thebes will not remember Creon because of his offensive acts committed while he was on the throne. Second, Creon will be forgotten because he decides to execute Antigone. Her punishment is to be locked in a blocked cave until she dies. Even if later in the story, Creon decides to free her, it is too late. The people of Thebes are amazed that Creon could even conceive of such a horrible punishment. Antigone acted on family honor, which is understood. Therefore, his people will forget Creon. Third, Antigone is a wonderful example of a martyr. His legacy will live on and inspire many other rebels to stand up for their beliefs. Antigone dared to defy the king's threat of death to bury her brother and demonstrated true family pride. The people pity Antigone and believe that she should be left alone. Haemon, son of Creon and fiancé of Antigone, tells what the inhabitants of Thebes feel. "From all sides, I hear voices of pity for this poor girl doomed to the cruelest death... for an honorable action: burying a brother killed in combat... did she not rather deserve a crown of gold ?” (