The Trachiniae

By Sophocles

The story begins with Deianeira, the wife of Heracles, relating the story of her early life and her plight adjusting to married life. She is now distraught over her husband's neglect of her family. Often involved in some adventure, he rarely visits them. She sends their son Hyllus to find him, as she is concerned over prophecies about Heracles and the land he is currently in. After Hyllus sets off, a messenger arrives with word that Heracles, victorious in his recent battle, is making offerings on Cape Cenaeum and coming home soon to Trachis.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Interactive Media
• Release date: Oct 15, 2015
• ISBN: 9781911144007

Sophocles

Sophocles is one of three ancient Greek tragedians whose plays have survived. His first plays were written later than or contemporary with those of Aeschylus, and earlier than or contemporary with those of Euripides.

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Sophocles

Sophocles

The Trachiniae

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Contents

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

THE TRACHINIAE

DRAMATIS PERSONAE

DEIANEIRA

NURSE

HYLLUS, son of HERACLES and DEIANEIRA

MESSENGER

LICHAS, the herald of HERACLES

HERACLES

AN OLD MAN

CHORUS OF TRACHINIAN MAIDENS

THE TRACHINIAE

At Trachis, before the house of HERACLES. Enter DEIANEIRA from the house, accompanied by the NURSE.

DEIANEIRA There is a saying among men, put forth of old, that thou canst not rightly judge whether a mortal’s lot is good or evil, ere he die. But I, even before I have passed to the world of death, know well that my life is sorrowful and bitter; I, who in the house of my father Oeneus, while yet I dwelt at Pleuron, had such fear of bridals as never vexed any maiden of Aetolia. For my wooer was a river-god, Achelous, who in three shapes was ever asking me from my sire,- coming now as a bull in bodily form, now as serpent with sheeny coils, now with trunk of man and front of ox, while from a shaggy beard the streams of fountain-water flowed abroad. With the fear of such a suitor before mine eyes, I was always praying in my wretchedness that I might die, or ever I should come near to such a bed. But at last, to my joy, came the glorious son of Zeus and Alcmena; who dosed with him in combat, and delivered me. How the fight was waged, I cannot clearly tell, I know not; if there be any one who watched that sight without terror, such might speak: I, as I sat there, was distraught with dread, lest beauty should bring me sorrow at the last. But finally the Zeus of battles ordained well,- if well indeed it be: for since I have been joined to Heracles as his chosen bride, fear after fear hath haunted me on his account; one night brings a trouble, and the next night, in turn, drives it out. And then children were born to us; whom he has seen only as the husbandman sees his distant field, which he visits at seedtime, and once again at harvest. Such was the life that kept him journeying to and fro, in the service of a certain master. But now, when he hath risen above those trials,- now it is that my anguish is sorest. Ever since he slew the valiant Iphitus, we have been dwelling here in Trachis, exiles from our home, and the guests of stranger; but where he is, no one knows; I only know that he is gone, and hath pierced my heart with cruel pangs for him. I am almost sure that some evil hath befallen him; it is no short space that hath passed, but ten long months, and then five more,- and still no message from him. Yes, there has been some dread mischance;- witness that tablet which he left with me ere he went forth: oft do I pray to the gods that I may not have received it for my sorrow.

NURSE Deianeira, my mistress, many

Reviews for The Trachiniae

[devil_llama · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

An ancient Greek myth with traces of Medea. A woman waits for her husband, Herakles, to return from war. Prior to his return, he sends home new slaves he has captured; one of them is the woman he has fallen in love with and wishes for his wife. In a desperate plea to hold onto his love, she casts a love spell that has disastrous consequences. An interesting work, but the new translation into modern vernacular removes a great deal of the poetry that characterizes Greek writing. In an effort to make it accessible to the general public, they have removed what makes it Greek.

[joririchardson · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is my favorite of all Sophocle's works, and among my favorite theater ever.This translation was very well done, complete with detailed and informative side notes at the end. The two translators edited the text into a very accessible, easy to get through one that even a middle-schooler would not have all that much trouble getting through."Women of Trachis" is the story of Queen Deianeira, a wife whose husband is in love with another younger, more beautiful woman. Her good intentioned attempt to reclaim his heart ends up killing him instead, and in sorrow and remorse she takes her own life.This is the original, true "Romeo & Juliet" story. Besides the setting, the plot line is not at all different.Like Shakespeare's famous tragedy, this telling of terrible events inspired by love is a sad and powerful one.A great work of literature, whatever the category, and one of my favorites.

[danielstj · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

This is a fairly straightforward and basic play involving Heracles and his family. While it got the job done, providing some good lines in the midst of its story and in the dialogue, I feel that this not among Sophocles' best work. Nevertheless, I do believe that it's still worth the read for those interested in classics. 3 stars.