What does King Creon's edict state regarding the burial of the opposing army's dead bodies?

King Creon's edict explicitly states that no one is allowed to bury the dead bodies of the opposing army, which is a critical component of the conflict in Sophocles' "Antigone." This law reflects Creon's authoritarian rule and his desire to assert power over the defeated enemy, demonstrating his commitment to the city's order and loyalty to Thebes. By prohibiting burial rites, Creon aims to dishonor the enemies and prevent any sign of respect for them, thereby emphasizing the stakes of loyalty and disloyalty in the narrative.

The other choices do not accurately represent Creon's intentions: the idea that anyone can bury the dead or that only family members can perform burial rites contradicts the essence of his prohibitive edict. Additionally, promoting public mourning conflicts with Creon’s goal to discourage any sympathies towards the opposing army. Thus, the focus on controlling the dead bodies highlights the tension between individual moral duty, as represented by Antigone, and the state’s laws commanded by Creon.