Alcestis / Heracles / Hippolytus - Euripides

Alcestis

In Euripides' Alcestis, the title character is a young woman who willingly sacrifices her life to save her husband, Admetus. This act of selflessness is met with mixed reactions from the other characters in the play. Some, like Admetus' father Pheres, believe that Alcestis was foolish to give up her life for her husband. Others, like Admetus' friend Heracles, believe that Alcestis' sacrifice was a noble and heroic act.

The play explores the themes of love, death, and the nature of heroism. It is a powerful and moving story that has been told and retold for centuries.

Heracles

Heracles is a Greek hero who is known for his strength and courage. He is the son of Zeus, the king of the gods, and Alcmene, a mortal woman. Heracles is best known for his Twelve Labors, which were a series of difficult tasks that he was forced to complete as punishment for killing his wife and children.

Heracles is a complex and multifaceted character. He is capable of great heroism, but he is also capable of great violence. He is a man of contradictions, and his story is one of both triumph and tragedy.

Hippolytus

Hippolytus is a young man who is devoted to the goddess Artemis. He is a skilled hunter and a chaste and virtuous man. Hippolytus' devotion to Artemis angers Aphrodite, the goddess of love, who punishes him by making him fall in love with his stepmother, Phaedra.

Phaedra is unable to control her feelings for Hippolytus, and she eventually confesses her love to him. Hippolytus is horrified and rejects her advances. Phaedra, in her despair, accuses Hippolytus of rape. Theseus, Hippolytus' father, believes Phaedra's lies and curses Hippolytus. Hippolytus is killed by a sea monster, and Artemis is unable to save him.

Hippolytus is a tragedy about the destructive power of love. It is a story about the dangers of passion and the importance of self-control.

Why You Should Read Alcestis / Heracles / Hippolytus

Alcestis / Heracles / Hippolytus is a collection of three of Euripides' most famous plays. These plays are all powerful and moving stories that explore the human condition. They are full of complex and interesting characters, and they offer a unique perspective on the world.

If you are a fan of Greek mythology or if you are simply interested in great literature, then I highly recommend that you read Alcestis / Heracles / Hippolytus. You will not be disappointed.