What Causes the Fall of States? Adrastus, King of Argos, led a war against Thebes, on behalf of his son-in-law Polynices, to regain the rule of Thebes from the latter’s brother Eteocles. He was defeated, the young men of Argos were killed, and he came to Athens as a suppliant to seek help from King Theseus to obtain their corpses for burial. Euripides’ account of the tragedies of Argos reminds […]
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“Heracleidae” by Euripides
After the death of Heracles, his children were persecuted by his enemy Eurystheus, King of Argos, who had imposed Twelve Labours on Heracles. They sought protection at Athens from King Demophon, son of Theseus, who initially agreed to defend them but later was informed by an oracle that they could not defeat Eurystheus unless they sacrifice a child of noble birth. Macaria, Heracles’ daughter, offered to sacrifice herself to save […]
Read more“Heracles” by Euripides
A comic-tragic tale of the hero Heracles, who delivers his wife and children from his enemy by his heroics, only to slay them himself moments later in his madness. It is sobering to think how little separates a hero from a ruthless killer. Quotes: Cowardice “The bravest man is he who relies ever on his hopes, but despair is the mark of a coward.” “A man is a weakling, who […]
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“The Bacchae” by Euripides
“The Bacchae” won the first prize in the City Dionysia festival in Athens in 405 BC, for good reason I suppose. The structure, plot, and character development are among the best of Euripides. William Arrowsmith, the translator, compared it to “Oedipus the King”, “Agamemnon” and “King Lear”, as one of the greatest tragedies. Truth be told, I’m not quite sure what to make of it. For example, is there anything […]
Read more“The Phoenician Women” by Euripides
“Imagine there’s no countries It isn’t hard to do Nothing to kill or die for … Imagine no possessions I wonder if you can No need for greed or hunger A brotherhood of man Imagine all the people Sharing all the world” I wonder if John Lennon would still have imagined “brotherhood of man” if he had read this play: Two sons of Oedipus, Eteocles and Polynices, two brothers killed […]
Read more“Orestes” by Euripides
Quotes: Sweet charm of sleep! saviour in sickness! how dear to me thy coming was! how needed! All hail, majestic power, oblivion of woe! How wise this goddess is, how earnestly invoked by every suffering soul! Dear sister, unveil thy face and cease to weep, despite our abject misery; and whensoe’er thou seest me give way to despair, be it thine to calm and soothe the terrors and distorted fancies […]
Read more“Electra” by Euripides
Quotes: Pity is not present at all in ignorance, but in wise men. And indeed it is not without penalty for the wise to have overly profound thoughts. Ah! there is no sure mark to recognize a man’s worth; for human nature hath in it an element of confusion. For I have seen ere now the son of noble sire prove himself a worthless knave, and virtuous children sprung from […]
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