| Heracleidae | |
|---|---|
 Statue of Euripides |
|
| Written by | Euripides |
| Chorus | aged Athenians |
| Characters | Iolaus Copreus Demophon Macaria Servant of Hyllus Alcmene Messenger Eurystheus Acamas |
| Setting | Before the temple of Zeus at Marathon |
Heracleidae (Greek: Ἡρακλείδαι, also translated as Children of Herakles) is an Athenian tragedy by Euripides that was first performed c. 430 BCE. It follows the Heracleidae as they seek protection from Eurystheus. It is the first of two surviving tragedies by Euripides where the Heracleidae are suppliants (the second being Herakles).
Background
Eurystheus was responsible for many of the troubles of Herakles. In order to prevent the Heracleidae from taking revenge on him, he sought to kill them. The Heracleidae take flight under the protection of Iolaus, Herakles' close friend and nephew.
Plot synopsis
The tragedy begins at the altar of Zeus at Marathon. Copreus, working under the orders of Eurystheus, attempts to take the Heracleidae by force. Demophon, son of Theseus, enters taking the side of Iolaus and protecting the Heracleidae. Copreus threatens to return with an army. Athens will protect the Heracleidae, but after checking the oracles it is learnt that they will only be successful if there is a noble maiden's sacrifice. Demophon explains how he'd like to help, but won't sacrifice his own child or make any of the Athenians do so. A daughter of Herakles, Macaria, then offers herself to be the sacrifice. The sacrifice is made, and Hyllus arrives with reinforcements. Despite being old and feeble, Iolaus insists on going out into the battle. Once out there he miraculously becomes young and captures Eurystheus. They debate executing this prisoner of war, but there is a law against it. Eurystheus tells them a prophecy of how his spirit will protect the city from the descendants of the Heracleidae if they slay and bury him, and so it is done.
Translations
- Edward P. Coleridge, 1891 - prose: full text
- Arthur S. Way, 1912 - verse
- Ralph Gladstone, 1955 - verse
- David Kovacs, 1994 - prose: full text
|
|||||||
fdfff
This entry is from Wikipedia, the leading user-contributed encyclopedia. It may not have been reviewed by professional editors (see full disclaimer)
