Source edition
Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. I. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1902.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This Greek tragedy depicts the struggle of the children of the deceased hero Heracles, who flee to Athens under the protection of the elderly Iolaus to escape persecution. Staged at a temple in Marathon, Athens, the drama unfolds as the Athenian king Demophon resolves to protect them against the threats of King Eurystheus of Argos. Although a divine oracle demands a noble virgin sacrifice to secure victory, Heracles' daughter Macaria voluntarily offers her life, paving the way for battle. During the conflict, the aged Iolaus miraculously regains his youth on the battlefield and succeeds in capturing the enemy commander, Eurystheus. In the final climax, tension arises between the Athenian law prohibiting the execution of prisoners and the vengeful desire of Heracles' mother, Alcmene, culminating in a compromise that leads to Eurystheus' execution.