The answer is: 10

Esther 9:10

In the shadowy mantle of the Purim story, where one woman's bravery averted disaster for her people, Haman occupies a particularly intriguing role as the antagonist. According to the book of Esther, Haman had ten sons. Framing his family isn't just about numbers; it's part of how Haman's legacy lingers even as his ambitions led him to ruin.

These ten sons—named in Esther 9:7-10 as Parshandatha, Dalphon, Aspatha, Poratha, Adalia, Aridata, Parmashtah, Arishena, and Vajezatha—are interestingly significant. Their names resonate throughout Jewish tradition and commentaries, often being interpreted symbolically to reflect their father's excess and pride. Their eventual fate, tied to Haman’s own downfall, serves as a reminder of the risky nature of his power plays.

Furthermore, Esther 9 is notable for describing the downfall of Haman’s family in graphic detail as part of the broader liberation narrative for the Jews, echoing throughout history in discussions of tyranny and justice. It's said that Purim, Jewish people celebrate triumph over oppression, commemorating this story with merriment—dressing in costumes, feasting, and giving gifts of food.

So remember, in this tale, it’s not just about numbers; Haman’s ten sons represent a collective entity of misguided ambition and the broader theme of retribution in the tapestry of Esther's story, leaving us all to ponder the fables and cautionary tales woven into scripture.