A Theban hero, apparently of eastern origin, but said to be founder of Thebes, whose population he creates by sowing dragon's teeth. This is not shown in art, but he appears slaying the dragon (a serpent) and, in early art, marrying Harmonia.
Above: Kadmos and the serpent. Detail from a South Italian red-figure clay vase, about 340 BC. Paris, Musée du Louvre. © Musée du Louvre.
