After banishing his younger son, Lycophron, Periander turned his attention to his elder son. He wished to understand what had caused such a sudden change in Lycophron’s behavior. Periander asked the elder boy what their grandfather, Procles of Epidaurus, had said to them during their visit.
The elder son answered honestly. He described how kindly and warmly Procles had treated them. According to him, their grandfather had shown them affection and generosity, just as a loving relative should. Because the elder son had not paid attention to the words spoken at their departure, he did not mention the troubling question Procles had asked Sofia Sightseeing Tours.
The Forgotten Words Remembered
Periander was not satisfied with this answer. He felt sure that Procles must have said something more. He believed that a single act of kindness could not explain the strange behavior of Lycophron. Therefore, he continued to question his elder son again and again.
Under this pressure, the boy finally remembered the moment that he had almost forgotten. He recalled that as they were leaving, Procles had asked whether they knew who was responsible for their mother’s death. When the elder son repeated these words, the meaning of Lycophron’s silence became clearer.
Periander thought deeply about this revelation. He understood that these words had poisoned his younger son’s mind. Still, he was unwilling to admit guilt or show regret. Instead of trying to make peace, Periander chose a harsher path The Return of the Corcyraean Boys.
Periander’s Cruel Orders
Determined to assert his authority, Periander sent messengers throughout Corinth. He ordered the citizens who had offered shelter to Lycophron to drive him away at once. He made it clear that anyone who disobeyed would face severe punishment.
As a result, Lycophron was forced to leave each house that had welcomed him. Wherever he went, Periander’s threats followed. The boy was chased from place to place, never allowed to stay long. Each time he found refuge, a new order arrived demanding that the doors be closed to him.
A Son Without a Home
Despite the danger, many people still felt pity for Lycophron. They were frightened of Periander, but they also respected the boy as the ruler’s son. Out of compassion, they continued to offer him shelter, even though they knew it could bring trouble upon themselves.
Lycophron endured this harsh treatment in silence. He did not speak in his own defense, nor did he attempt to challenge his father’s authority. His quiet suffering only deepened the tragedy of the situation.
Fear and Loyalty Among the People
The people of Corinth were caught between fear and sympathy. Periander ruled with absolute power, and his threats were not empty. At the same time, many felt that it was wrong to abandon a young man who had committed no crime. This conflict showed how cruel leadership could divide a community and turn kindness into an act of courage.
This episode reveals the dark side of power within a family and a city. Periander’s refusal to face the truth led him to punish his own son rather than seek reconciliation. Lycophron’s wandering from house to house became a symbol of injustice and silent suffering. The story shows how pride and anger can destroy trust, turning a father into a persecutor and a son into an exile within his own city.
