Euripides’s "Heraclides," a summary Automatic translate

This tragedy by the ancient Greek playwright describes the wanderings of Heracles’ children, seeking refuge from the persecution of the Argive king. The work was written around the spring of 430 BC. The plot is based on the Attic version of the myth, according to which it was the Athenians who repulsed the great hero’s enemies and protected his descendants.

At the altar of Zeus

The action takes place in Marathon. Elderly Iolaus, Heracles’ nephew and faithful companion, sits at the altar of Zeus with his late friend’s young children. The exiles have left Argos. King Eurystheus of Mycenae demands their immediate execution. The fugitives wander through the cities of Greece, but Eurystheus’s envoys catch up with them everywhere. Enemies constantly threaten war against the rulers who have sheltered the orphans. Heracles’ daughters and his elderly mother, Alcmene, hide inside the temple. His eldest son, Hyllus, has set off to find a new safe haven.

Copreus, Eurystheus’s herald, approaches the altar. He rudely demands the children be handed over. The herald declares that they belong to the Argive king as runaway slaves. Iolaus blocks his path. Copreus pushes the feeble old man to the ground and attempts to force the frightened boys away. Iolaus falls and loudly calls for help from the locals, pleading for the protection of the sacred site.

Defense of Athens

The cries bring the villagers of Marathon to life, forming a chorus. Soon, King Demophon of Athens, son of the venerable Theseus, appears, accompanied by his brother, Acamas. Copreus confidently asserts his claim to the fugitives. He promises Athens military support from the mighty Mycenae if the children are handed over. If they refuse, the herald threatens a brutal armed clash.

Iolaus reminds Demophon of their ancient family ties. The fathers of Heracles and Demophon were second cousins. The old man also mentions the hero’s great service: Heracles rescued Theseus from the lightless depths of Hades. Demophon sides with the petitioners. He refuses to hand over the Heracleidae, honoring the altar of Zeus and the memory of Heracles’ services. Copreus leaves in anger. He promises a swift invasion by a vast Argive army led by Eurystheus himself.

The Sacrifice of Macaria

Demophon returns from inspecting the enemy positions. Eurystheus has already led his army and occupied the heights. The Athenian king has gathered the soothsayers and learned the dire conditions of victory. The oracles demand the sacrifice of a noble maiden to the daughter of Demeter. Demophon refuses to kill his own children. He also refuses to take the daughters of Athenian citizens for foreigners. In desperation, Iolaus offers to give himself to Eurystheus in place of his children. The king rejects this idea, realizing that the enemy specifically seeks the death of Heracles’ descendants.

Macaria, Heracles’ daughter, emerges from the temple. Upon hearing of the prophecy, she voluntarily offers her life to save her brothers and sisters. The girl considers it shameful to cling to life when the Athenians are willing to risk their lives to protect them. Iolaus advises casting lots among all the hero’s daughters. Macaria categorically refuses. She wishes to die of her own free will, without coercion. The girl bids farewell to Iolaus and her younger brothers. The priestesses crown her, cut off a lock of her hair, and lead her away for the rite.

Battle and Miracle

Hyllus’s servant appears. He tells Iolaus and Alcmene, who have just emerged from the temple, the good news. Hyllus has brought a large allied army and is ready for battle. Hearing of the imminent battle, the frail Iolaus demands that he be brought the heavy trophy armor from the temple. The servant tries to dissuade the old man, directly pointing out his physical weakness. Iolaus is adamant. Leaning on the servant, he slowly makes his way to the battlefield, hoping to impress the enemy with at least his fearlessness.

Later, a messenger arrived with a detailed account of the battle. Hyllus proposed to Eurystheus that they end the conflict in single combat. The Argive king, cowering, remained silent. A bloody battle between the hoplites began. The Athenians barely held back the enemy’s onslaught. At that moment, Iolaus appeared on Hyllus’s chariot. He offered a fervent prayer to Zeus and Hebe, asking for the restoration of his youth for one single day, so that he could exact vengeance.

A miracle occurred. Two bright stars descended upon the chariot, concealing it in a dark cloud. When the darkness cleared, Iolaus emerged as a young and vigorous warrior. He gave chase to Eurystheus. The hero overtook the enemy at the Scironian Rocks and captured him alive.

The Trial of Eurystheus

Servants bring the bound Eurystheus to Alcmene. The old woman curses the prisoner. She recalls all the long suffering he inflicted on her son, Heracles. The king forced the hero to perform difficult feats and descend into Hades. Alcmene demands the immediate, painful death of her enemy.

The servant objects. Athenian law strictly forbids the killing of prisoners of war. Alcmena refuses to listen to reason and stubbornly insists on execution. Eurystheus breaks the silence. He declares that he did not pursue Heracles of his own free will. This enmity was instilled in him by the goddess Hera. He wanted to destroy his children solely out of fear of blood feud for their father.

The prisoner does not beg for mercy from the victors. He tells the Athenians of Phoebus’s ancient prophecy. If he is buried at the Temple of the Virgin of War in Pallene, his spirit will become Athens’s faithful guardian. It will forever guard the city from future invasions by the descendants of Heracles. Alcmena orders her servants to take Eurystheus away, kill him, and bury his body. The chorus of Marathonians agrees with this stern decision: "And from us will the rulers of the land be defiled!"