Creon and AntigoneAntigone Sophocles When a dictator dies, his image and fame dies with him, but when a selfless individual dies, his legacy begins. This statement is true because oppressed citizens do not fondly mention a mean ruler, such as Antigone's Creon, after his death. Yet a martyr, like Antigone, also from the story Antigone, is remembered for her self-sacrificing actions. Creon will not be remembered because he did not allow Antigone to bury her dead brother Polynices, and decides to execute Antigone for trying while Antigone's legacy will live on because she has the courage to challenge Creon and chooses to sacrifice herself for the honor of Polynices. First of all, Creon is a tyrant. His rule will not be remembered for many reasons, one of which is that it desecrates the honor of the family. When a son or father dies in battle, they are brought home to be properly buried by their families. Eteocles, Antigone's other dead brother, is a patriot and is buried because he fights for Thebes. However, Polyneices is not buried because he rebels against Thebes. Creon leaves Polyneices' body to be attacked by dogs and vultures. This angers the inhabitants of Thebes because family honor is very important to them. Therefore, the people of Thebes will not remember Creon because of his offensive actions while on the throne. Secondly, Creon will be forgotten because he decides to execute Antigone. His punishment is to be locked in a locked cave until he dies. Although Creon decides to free her later in the story, it is too late. The inhabitants of Thebes are amazed that Creon could even conceive of such a horrible punishment. Antigone acted out of family honor, which is understandable. 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 death threat to bury her brother and shows true family pride. The people pity Antigone and feel that she should be left alone. Haemon, son of Creon and fiancé of Antigone, expresses the feelings of the people of Thebes. "From every side I hear voices of pity for this poor girl condemned to the cruelest death... for an honorable deed - burying a brother killed in battle... has she not rather earned a golden crown” (