Story Summary
Discover the tragic end of a king in The Death of Agamemnon. Betrayed by Clytemnestra after the Trojan War, his murder sparks a dark cycle of family revenge.
After ten grueling years at the gates of Troy, King Agamemnon returned to Mycenae in a chariot of gold, bringing with him the captive prophetess Cassandra. He expected a hero’s welcome, but his wife, Queen Clytemnestra, had nursed a decade of bitter resentment. She could not forgive Agamemnon for sacrificing their daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the goddess Artemis before the war began. Secretly, she had taken a lover, Aegisthus, and together they plotted the king's demise. Clytemnestra greeted her husband with false affection, rolling out purple carpets to lead him to a prepared bath. As the king relaxed in the water, she threw a heavy, inescapable net over him. Trapped and helpless, Agamemnon was struck down by Clytemnestra and Aegisthus with a double-edged axe. Cassandra, who had foreseen the slaughter but was cursed to never be believed, met the same bloody end moments later. The murder of the king was complete, yet it only fueled the curse on the House of Atreus, ensuring the blood of his children would soon follow.
The Moral
Vengeance often creates a never-ending cycle of violence that destroys families and legacies alike.
“The sea is there, and who shall drain it dry?”
Fun Fact
Aeschylus' play 'Agamemnon' is the first part of the Oresteia, the only surviving trilogy of Greek plays from antiquity.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the moral of The Death of Agamemnon?
The moral is that vengeance only breeds more violence. By seeking retribution for her daughter, Clytemnestra invites her own eventual destruction by her son, Orestes.
Why did Clytemnestra kill Agamemnon?
Her primary motive was revenge for his sacrifice of their daughter, Iphigenia. Additionally, she had taken Aegisthus as a lover and wanted to secure their power over Mycenae.
Who was Cassandra in this myth?
Cassandra was a Trojan princess and prophetess whom Agamemnon brought back as a war prize. She predicted their deaths, but because of a curse from Apollo, no one believed her.
What happened to Aegisthus?
Aegisthus was Agamemnon's cousin and Clytemnestra's lover who helped plot the murder. He was later killed by Agamemnon’s son, Orestes, in an act of revenge.
How did Agamemnon actually die?
While there are variations, the most famous version involves him being trapped in a net or robe while bathing and then being struck down with an axe or sword.
What is the House of Atreus?
It is the royal lineage of Agamemnon that was famously cursed by the gods. The family's history is defined by a series of gruesome murders and betrayals across generations.
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