Antiope (mythology)

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In Greek mythology, Antiope was the only Amazon known to have married. She was an Amazon queen who was a sister to Hippolyte and Melanippe. During Heracles' ninth labor, his companion Theseus, king of Athens, abducted Antiope and brought her to Athens. They were eventually married and she gave birth to a son; Hippolytus, who was named after Antiope's sister. Soon after, the Amazons attacked Athens in an attempt to rescue Antiope and to take back Hippolyte's girdle; however, the Amazons failed.

During this war, Antiope was said to have fought on the side of the Amazons. She was seriously wounded and could no longer defend herself from Theseus and his retainers (which included Heracles). Watching these events take place, Molpadia killed the queen with an arrow (some say spear), saving her from violation by the Athenian king.

In an alternate story, Theseus had planned to marry Phaedra. Antiope was furious about this and decided to attack them on their wedding day. She promised to kill every person in attendance; however, she was slain instead; although, it took Theseus, Heracles, and an army to kill her.