Euripides, Iphigenia at Aulis

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At the outset of the Trojan War, the Greek fleet is trapped at Aulis by adverse winds. Through the prophet Calchas, Artemis demands the sacrifice of Iphigenia, Agamemnon’s firstborn child.

Iphigenia at Aulis

(

IA

) depicts the events leading to that sacrifice. This tragedy was likely produced in 405 BC at the Dionysia festival, about a year after Euripides’ death, along with

Bacchae

and the non-extant

Alcmeon in Corinth

(it is not known if a satyr play accompanied the three tragedies, as was customary). Produced by ‘Euripides Minor’ (a son or nephew?), the trilogy garnered a rare first place finish for the deceased poet in the competitive festival.

In keeping with the increasing humanism of the fifth century BCE, at the heart of this tragedy are the psychological weaknesses and moral

2481 words

Citation: Kovacs, George. "Iphigenia at Aulis". The Literary Encyclopedia. First published 08 October 2012 [https://www.litencyc.com/php/sworks.php?rec=true&UID=34387, accessed 19 March 2024.]

34387 Iphigenia at Aulis 3 Historical context notes are intended to give basic and preliminary information on a topic. In some cases they will be expanded into longer entries as the Literary Encyclopedia evolves.

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