Greek Ideology > Clytemnestra

Clytemnestra

Background

Clytemnestra is a prominent figure in Greek mythology, best known for her role in the House of Atreus and her complex relationship with her husband Agamemnon. Here are some key aspects of Clytemnestra's story:

Lineage and Background

1. Daughter of Tyndareus: Clytemnestra was the daughter of Tyndareus, the king of Sparta, and Leda, the queen. According to mythology, Leda was seduced by Zeus in the form of a swan, resulting in Clytemnestra's twin siblings, Helen of Troy and Pollux, as well as her half-siblings Castor and Polydeuces (Dioscuri).

2. Wife of Agamemnon: Clytemnestra married Agamemnon, the king of Mycenae and leader of the Greek forces in the Trojan War. Their marriage was arranged as part of a political alliance between the kingdoms of Sparta and Mycenae.

Role in the Trojan War

1. Sacrifice of Iphigenia: One of Clytemnestra's most famous acts was her involvement in the sacrifice of her daughter Iphigenia. According to myth, Agamemnon angered the goddess Artemis, who demanded the sacrifice of Iphigenia to allow the Greek fleet to sail to Troy. Clytemnestra's feelings toward Agamemnon were deeply affected by this event.

2. Absence and Infidelity: During Agamemnon's absence at the Trojan War, Clytemnestra is said to have had an affair with Aegisthus, a cousin and rival claimant to the throne of Mycenae. Their relationship would play a significant role in later events.

Revenge and Betrayal

1. Agamemnon's Return: Upon Agamemnon's return from Troy, Clytemnestra welcomed him with apparent warmth and hospitality. However, she and Aegisthus had plotted to murder him as revenge for the sacrifice of Iphigenia and other grievances.

2. Murder of Agamemnon: Clytemnestra and Aegisthus carried out their plan by murdering Agamemnon in his bath, either with an axe or a sword. Clytemnestra is sometimes depicted as the one who strikes the fatal blow, while in other versions, Aegisthus carries out the deed.

Consequences and Fate

1. Orestes' Revenge: The murder of Agamemnon sparked a cycle of violence and revenge within the House of Atreus. Agamemnon and Clytemnestra's son, Orestes, avenged his father's death by killing both his mother Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus, as commanded by the god Apollo.

2. Divine Punishment: Orestes' matricide led to his persecution by the Furies (Erinyes), ancient goddesses of vengeance who sought to avenge Clytemnestra's death. Ultimately, Orestes was acquitted of his crimes in a trial held at Athens, bringing an end to the cycle of violence.

Cultural Significance

1. Literature and Drama: Clytemnestra's story has been a popular subject in ancient Greek tragedy and literature, including plays by Aeschylus, Sophocles, and Euripides. She is often portrayed as a complex and ambiguous character, torn between her roles as wife, mother, and avenger.

2. Symbolism: Clytemnestra has been interpreted as a symbol of feminine power, agency, and revenge in Greek mythology. Her story raises questions about justice, morality, and the consequences of human actions.

Sources

Greek Ideology