How many Spartoi are known to have survived their initial confrontation?

In the context of Greek mythology, the Spartoi are mythical men that sprang from the teeth of a dragon that Cadmus killed. The legend states that when Cadmus sowed these teeth into the ground, they sprang to life as armed warriors. Initially, there was a confrontation between these warriors, which led to a conflict among them. The number of Spartoi that survived this conflict varies between ancient sources, but the standard number recognized is five.

These five individuals ultimately became the ancestors of prominent families in Thebes. The survival of this specific number emphasizes the theme of conflict and the harsh realities of creation within mythological narratives. Understanding the survival of these Spartoi is crucial for grasping the foundation of the Theban lineage and the stories that unfold in classical mythology.