Overview

The Children of Heracles is a powerful and challenging tragedy of exile and supplication. Driven from their homeland by Eurystheus, king of Argos, the children of Heracles flee as fugitives throughout Greece until they are granted protection in Athens. However, their acceptance as political refugees threatens to cause civil revolt among the Athenians and hostile invasion from the Argives. The self-sacrifice of Heracles' daughter ensures a victory for Athens and the Heraclidae, but Heracles’ mother Alcmene refuses to spare the life of Eurystheus, although he is a prisoner of war protected by Athenian law. The play shows the amorality of the powerful and the vulnerability of refugees in the most disturbing terms, making for a drama of continuing moral and political relevance to the modern world. Greek text with facing-page English translation, introduction and commentary.

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9780856687402

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Reviews

William Allan is rapidly establishing himself as a rising star in Euripidean studies.'--Ian C Storey Mouseion (01/01/2004)

Superb...Mastronarde has brought readers of Medea up to date, set out for us the scholarly discussion while cogently advancing it, and given us the tools to make our own judgements. Hardy Hansen, Classical World

Author Information

William Allan is Associate Professor of Classics at Oxford University and the author of The Andromache and Euripidean Tragedy (Oxford University Press, 2000).

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