At last, Periander took an even harsher step against his younger son, Lycophron. He made a public proclamation throughout Corinth. He announced that anyone who gave shelter to his son, or even spoke to him, would have to pay a heavy fine to the god Apollo. This was not only a political order but also a religious threat, and the people were afraid to disobey it Periander Questions His Elder Son.
After hearing this command, no one dared to help Lycophron any longer. Even those who had once shown him kindness now avoided him completely. They feared both Periander’s punishment and the anger of the gods. Lycophron himself respected the law and did not try to persuade anyone to break it. Since no doors were open to him, he chose to sleep in the public porticos of the city, exposed to the weather and without comfort.
A Life of Suffering
For four days Lycophron lived in this miserable way. He did not wash himself, nor did he take any food. He remained silent and alone, enduring hunger and exhaustion. The people of Corinth saw him but did not dare to approach him. His suffering became known to all.
Periander, watching from a distance, saw how badly his son was living. Over time, his anger began to fade, and feelings of pity took its place. Seeing his own child reduced to such misery troubled him deeply. At last, he decided to speak to him.
A Father’s Attempt at Reconciliation
Periander approached Lycophron and spoke to him in a firm but emotional manner. He asked his son which life was better: the life of suffering he was now enduring, or a life of honor and power as heir to the throne of Corinth. He reminded him that all his wealth, authority, and the crown itself could belong to him, if only he would submit to his father Daily Tours Sofia.
Periander accused his son of choosing misery by resisting the one person he should not oppose. He admitted that a terrible deed had been done in the past and acknowledged that he himself was responsible for it. Yet he argued that he too suffered from it and bore the greatest burden of guilt. He urged his son to think wisely, to understand that it was better to be envied than pitied, and to recognize the danger of holding anger against parents and rulers. Finally, he asked Lycophron to return home with him.
The Son’s Silent Answer
Despite his father’s long speech, Lycophron gave no real reply. He spoke only once, calmly and briefly. He reminded Periander that by speaking to him, his father had made himself liable to pay the fine owed to Apollo. This cold and distant response showed that Lycophron’s resolve had not weakened.
At that moment, Periander understood that there was no way to change his son’s mind. The silence and resistance could not be broken by words or power.
Exile to Corcyra
Accepting defeat, Periander decided to remove his son from Corinth entirely. He prepared a ship and sent Lycophron away to the island of Corcyra, which at that time was under Periander’s control. By sending him away, Periander removed a painful reminder of his own guilt from his sight.
Revenge Against Procles
After Lycophron had been sent away, Periander turned his anger toward Procles of Epidaurus, whom he believed to be the true cause of his troubles. Procles’ words had planted doubt and hatred in Lycophron’s mind. Seeking revenge, Periander went to war against him.
Periander defeated Epidaurus, captured the city, and took Procles prisoner. He carried him away into captivity, ending both his rule and his freedom.
This story shows how pride, guilt, and anger can destroy families and kingdoms alike. Periander’s harsh rule drove away his own son and led to further violence. Lycophron’s silence became stronger than words, and reconciliation proved impossible. In the end, suffering spread from the family to the city and beyond, showing how personal tragedy can shape the course of history.
