Children of Heracles

Children of Heracles is one of Euripides’ lesser-known works, and a patriotic play in praise of Athens, like his Suppliants. The tragedy is set before the altar of Zeus at Marathon, where the children of Heracles, led by the aged Iolaus, who was Heracles’ comrade in his labors, take refuge from their pursuer Eurystheus, king of Argos, whose threats are carried by his herald Copreus (lines 1–72). Sympathizing with their suffering, the Athenian chorus and the king Demophon, the son of Theseus, refuse to give the suppliants up and send Copreus away (lines 73–352). The refusal means war with Argos, and Demophon reports that all the oracles say that the Athenians will win only if a maiden of noble birth is sacrificed to Persephone (lines 381–424). A daughter of Heracles, unnamed in the play but called Macaria by Pausanias (1.32.6), offers herself, and goes to her death (lines 474–607). Heracles’ son Hyllus arrives with an army, and the aged Iolaus insists on joining the battle (lines 630–747). A servant then reports that the Athenians and Hyllus have won, that Iolaus was made young again for one day and captured Eurystheus (lines 784–866). Eurystheus is brought before Alcmene, Heracles’ mother, who demands his death, although Athenian law, as the chorus tells her, forbids killing a prisoner taken in battle (lines 928–980). Eurystheus accepts his fate and tells of an oracle: he will lie buried at Pallene as a protector of Athens and an enemy of the descendants of Heracles’ children (lines 1026–1044). Alcmene orders his killing, and the chorus declares that it takes no part in it (lines 1045–1055).

Date and Historical Background

No ancient source gives the date of Children of Heracles, the plays it was produced with, or the prize. The suggested date of 430 BC depends on reading the end of the play as a reference to the war between Athens and Sparta, which is an inference and not ancient evidence, and is therefore uncertain. What the play says is that Eurystheus, buried at Pallene, will be hostile to the descendants of Heracles’ children when they come against Attica “with gathered host” (lines 1030–1037).

Characters and Setting

Characters

• Iolaus, nephew and former companion of Heracles, now an old man
• Alcmene, mother of Heracles
• Macaria, daughter of Heracles; the play does not name her, and the name comes from Pausanias (1.32.6), who tells that the spring Macaria at Marathon was named after her
• Servant of Hyllus, Heracles’ son
• Eurystheus, king of Argos and Mycenae
• Copreus, herald of Eurystheus (the play calls him only “the herald”; Copreus is the name of Eurystheus’ herald in Homer, Iliad 15.639–640)
• Demophon, king of Athens, son of Theseus
• Acamas, brother of Demophon (named at line 119; he does not speak)
• Messenger
• Chorus of old Athenians (men of Marathon)

Setting

Before the altar of Zeus at Marathon, in Attica (stage direction before line 1).

Summary of Children of Heracles

Prologue

(Lines 1–72.) Iolaus begins by saying that nature has made some men good for their neighbors and others only for themselves (lines 1–6). “From pure regard and reverence for my kith and kin, though I might have lived at peace in Argos, alone of all my race I shared with Heracles his labors while he was yet with us, and now that he dwells in heaven, I keep these his children safe beneath my wing, though myself I need protection” (lines 6–10). After Heracles died, Eurystheus would have killed them, but they escaped, and since then they have wandered from city to city, because wherever they settle Eurystheus sends heralds to demand their surrender, and the cities fear Argos and drive them away (lines 10–25). Iolaus has not abandoned the children (lines 26–31). They have come to Marathon because two sons of Theseus live there and are related to them (lines 32–38). Alcmene is inside the shrine with Heracles’ daughter, for they did not want the maidens to stand in the crowd (lines 39–44). Hyllus and his older brothers are looking for another refuge in case they are driven out (lines 45–47).

Iolaus sees a herald coming from Eurystheus (lines 48–53). Copreus tells him to go to Argos, “where awaits thee death by stoning” (lines 55–60). Iolaus replies that the altar of the god and the free land will protect them (lines 61–62). Copreus seizes the children (lines 63–68), and Iolaus calls on the Athenians for help (lines 69–72).

Parodos (Entrance Song)

(Lines 73–117.) The Chorus of old men hears the cry and asks what is happening (lines 73–74). Iolaus, thrown to the ground, points to Copreus: “Behold the man who flouts your gods, kind sirs, and tries by force to drag me from my seat before the altar of Zeus” (lines 75–79). The Chorus asks where he comes from, and Iolaus says he is from Mycenae, a comrade of Heracles, and that the children are the sons of Heracles who have come as suppliants (lines 80–97). Copreus replies that Eurystheus has a right over them (lines 99–100). The Chorus says that it must respect the gods’ suppliants (lines 101–108) and that Copreus should first have told the king of the land his errand, since the king is Demophon, the son of Theseus (lines 111–115).

First Episode

(Lines 118–352.) Demophon arrives, with his brother Acamas, and the Chorus tells him what has happened (lines 118–129). Demophon says that Copreus dresses like a Greek but acts like a barbarian (lines 130–131). Copreus says he is an Argive, sent by Eurystheus to fetch the runaways condemned to death by Argive law (lines 132–143). He warns that Athens will have Argos as a friend if it gives the suppliants up, and war if not, and that old Iolaus is a shadow and the children no match for Argives (lines 144–178). Iolaus answers (lines 181–231). He claims the right to speak in turn, says that as exiles they are no longer subjects of Argos, and that Athens, a free city, will not drive suppliants out (lines 181–203). He points out the kinship: Demophon’s father Theseus and Heracles were sons of first cousins (lines 205–213), and he himself was with Theseus when they fetched the Amazon’s girdle, and Heracles brought Theseus up from Hades (lines 215–219). He begs Demophon to be their father, brother and lord (lines 224–231).

Demophon gives three reasons for protecting them: Zeus, at whose altar they sit; ties of kin and a debt to their father; and his own honor (lines 236–245). “For if I permit this altar to be violently despoiled by stranger hands, men will think the land I inhabit is free no more, and that through fear I have surrendered suppliants to Argives, and this comes nigh to make one hang oneself” (lines 243–247). He tells Copreus to go back to Argos with his answer (lines 248–252). Copreus argues that the disgrace is Demophon’s, not his, and Demophon answers that it is no right to drag a suppliant away by force (lines 253–266). When Demophon threatens to strike him, the Chorus begs him not to touch a herald (lines 267–273). Copreus says that he will return with a host of Argive troops, led by Eurystheus, who is waiting at the border (lines 274–283). Demophon answers that he is not afraid of Argos, and that Athens is independent (lines 284–287).

Iolaus tells the children to take Athens’ hand and to remember this kindness (lines 297–328). Demophon says that he will muster the citizens, send scouts, call the seers and ordain a sacrifice, and asks Iolaus to go into the house, but Iolaus prefers to stay at the altar, saying that Athena is a stronger divinity than Hera, who leads the Argives (lines 333–352).

In the first choral song, the Chorus says it is not afraid of the Argive king, the son of Sthenelus, and that it prefers peace but will resist any who come against its city (lines 353–380).

Second Episode

(Lines 381–607.) Demophon comes back: the Argive host has come, and Eurystheus himself, whom he has seen; he has not yet sent his army into the plain, but is watching from a rocky brow (lines 381–397). The city is under arms and the sacrifices are being made (lines 398–401). He has gathered all the oracle-chanters and examined the oracles, which agree on one point: “they bid me sacrifice to Demeter’s daughter some maiden from a noble father sprung” (lines 402–409). He will not kill his own child or compel any citizen to do so; some citizens call for protecting the strangers, and others call him a fool, and if he does the deed, civil war will follow (lines 410–419). He says he is not a despot like a barbarian king (lines 420–424).

Iolaus says they are like mariners driven back from the shore (lines 427–434). “Children, I know not what to do for you. Whither shall we turn? for what god’s altar have we left uncrowned?” (lines 438–441). He offers himself to the Argives in place of the children (lines 452–460). The Chorus says it would be foul to betray strangers (lines 461–463), and Demophon answers that Eurystheus wants the children, not Iolaus, since the sons of a noble race are a danger to a foe (lines 464–470). He leaves.

The maiden, Macaria, comes out of the temple, saying that she has heard Iolaus’ lamentations and asks whether there is a new trouble (lines 474–483). Iolaus tells her of the oracle and that the king will not sacrifice his own child (lines 484–497). “No longer then cower before the hated Argive spear; for I, of my own free will, or ever they bid me, am ready to die and offer myself as a victim,” she says (lines 500–502). She argues that the Athenians run great danger on their behalf, and it would be ridiculous for the children of such a father to sit and mourn as suppliants (lines 503–509). Better to die than wander as an exile or live alone, unwed (lines 510–526). The Chorus praises her (lines 535–538). Iolaus proposes that all the sisters draw lots, and Macaria refuses, as a death by lot has no grace, and offers her life freely (lines 539–551). Iolaus says he will not forbid her dying (lines 552–557). She asks to die in the arms of women rather than men (lines 565–566), and Demophon agrees (lines 567–572). She says goodbye to Iolaus: “thy children are we, thy care it was that nurtured us” (lines 574–579), asks the children to honor him and Alcmene and, if they return home, to remember the burial due to her (lines 580–590), and goes to her death (lines 591–603). Iolaus asks the children to help him to a seat and veil his face (lines 601–607).

In the second choral song, the Chorus says that no one is blessed or cursed without the will of heaven and that one cannot escape fate (lines 608–617). It consoles Iolaus: the girl, dying for her brothers and the land, has won a glorious death, and her conduct is “worthy of her father, worthy of her noble birth” (lines 618–629).

Third Episode

(Lines 630–747.) A servant of Hyllus, Heracles’ son, arrives and asks for Iolaus and Alcmene (lines 630–641). He brings good news: Hyllus has come with an army and is marshalling it (lines 642–664). Alcmene comes out thinking that a herald from Argos has returned, and threatens to fight him (lines 646–653). The servant says that the Athenian leaders are already in order, the left wing is set and the victims are brought near the ranks (lines 668–673), and Eurystheus can be seen from the Argive host (lines 674–676). He goes to rejoin his master, and Iolaus insists on going with him, though the servant tells him that his strength is gone (lines 677–694). Iolaus takes captured arms from the shrine (lines 695–700). The Chorus tells him that his spirit is young but his body is not (lines 702–708). Alcmene begs him not to leave her undefended (lines 709–718). The servant helps Iolaus into the armor and supports him by the left side (lines 720–739). Iolaus wishes his arm were as strong as when he sacked Sparta with Heracles (lines 740–746).

In the third choral song, the Chorus calls on earth, moon and sun to carry the news to heaven, and on Athena, saying that it will fight for its fatherland since it has taken the suppliants under its protection; it prays to Athena to turn the king of Argos away (lines 748–783).

Fourth Episode

(Lines 784–891.) The servant returns and tells Alcmene that the Athenians have won and trophies are being set up (lines 784–787). Alcmene asks about Iolaus: “He hath passed from age to youth once more” (lines 790–796). He tells how it happened (lines 799–866). Hyllus dismounted from his chariot and challenged Eurystheus to single combat, with the children as the stake (lines 800–810). The host agreed, but Eurystheus was afraid and refused (lines 811–817). The prophets began the sacrifice, letting flow the blood of a human throat (lines 818–821). The Athenian king exhorted his men (lines 822–826), the Etrurian trumpet sounded and the battle began; the Argives broke the Athenian ranks first, then gave way (lines 830–841). Iolaus asked Hyllus to take him into his chariot, and drove after the horses of Eurystheus (lines 843–846). At Pallene he prayed to Hebe and Zeus to be young for a single day, and two stars settled on the horses’ yokes and shadowed the chariot; the servant says that wise people say these were Heracles and Hebe (lines 849–858). Out of the dark came Iolaus in the form of a young man, who overtook Eurystheus by the rocks of Sciron and bound him (lines 858–862). Eurystheus is a lesson: no one should envy a man until they see his death (lines 862–866).

The Chorus thanks Zeus (lines 867–868). Alcmene says that she now believes her son is among the gods (lines 869–872), and asks why Iolaus spared Eurystheus (lines 879–882). The servant says it was out of regard for her, so that she might see him in her power, and that Eurystheus did not come willingly (lines 883–887). He asks Alcmene to remember her promise to set him free (lines 888–891).

In the fourth choral song, the Chorus sings of the dance and the joy of seeing friends in good fortune (lines 892–900), says that the city has the path of justice (lines 901–908), that Heracles lives in heaven with Hebe as his wife (lines 910–918), and that Athena once championed the father and now her citizens have saved his children (lines 919–926).

Exodos (Exit Song)

(Lines 928–1055.) Eurystheus is brought in bound. A messenger says he has been brought for Alcmene’s pleasure (lines 928–940). “Art come, thou hateful wretch? Hath Justice caught thee then at last? First, turn thy head this way to me, and endure to look thy enemies in the face, for thou art no more the ruler, but the slave,” she says (lines 941–944). She reproaches him for his insults to her son, for sending him down to Hades and to kill hydras and lions, and for trying to drive her and the children from Hellas (lines 945–956). She says that one death is not enough for him (lines 957–960).

The Chorus tells her that she may not kill him: it is not the will of the rulers of the land, who do not kill enemies taken alive in battle (lines 961–966), and Hyllus has accepted their decision (lines 967–968). Alcmene says she will do it herself, whatever blame she incurs (lines 972–980). The Chorus understands her anger (lines 981–982).

Eurystheus says he will not flatter her or ask for his life (lines 983–986). He did not take up the quarrel of his own will; he is her kinsman and Hera forced him (lines 987–991). He admits that Heracles was a man of worth (lines 996–999), and defends himself, saying that he had to slay, banish and plot against the children, as Alcmene would have done in his place (lines 1000–1008). The city, by the laws of Hellas, did well to let him go, and his death is a curse upon whoever kills him now (lines 1009–1013). He does not wish to die, but will not be grieved if he does (lines 1016–1017).

The Chorus tells Alcmene to let him go, since this is the city’s will (lines 1018–1021). Alcmene proposes to kill him and give the corpse to his friends, so that she obeys the city (lines 1022–1025). Eurystheus answers that he will repay the city for sparing him with an old oracle of Loxias: “Bury my body after death in its destined grave in front of the shrine of the virgin goddess at Pallene. And I will be thy friend and guardian of thy city for ever, where I lie buried in a foreign soil, but a bitter foe to these children’s descendants, whensoe’er with gathered host they come against this land” (lines 1026–1037). He had come, he says, because he thought that Hera was stronger than the oracle (lines 1038–1039). He asks that no drink-offering be spilled on his tomb: “ye shall have double gain from me, for I will help you and harm them by my death” (lines 1040–1044).

Alcmene says there is no reason to delay, since this will secure the city and the children, and orders the servants to kill him and throw him to the dogs (lines 1045–1052). The Chorus agrees and says that its conduct brings no stain upon its rulers (lines 1053–1055).

A Brief Analysis

Children of Heracles has an unusual shape that can be seen in the text. It is short (1,055 lines), and the death of the maiden, which is the high point of the middle of the play, is not reported after she leaves the stage at about line 603; the only hint is the servant’s mention of blood from a human throat at the sacrifice before the battle (lines 818–821). The play is concerned with two themes: the protection of suppliants, which Demophon bases on the claims of Zeus, kinship and honor (lines 236–247), and the willing self-sacrifice of Macaria (lines 500–534, 547–551).

The end of the play is not a simple victory. Athens is shown as a free city that respects suppliants (lines 61–62, 196–203, 236–248), and its law forbids the killing of a prisoner (lines 961–966). But Alcmene insists on killing Eurystheus even after being told of the law (lines 972–980), proposes a way of obeying the city by giving the body to his friends (lines 1022–1025), and then, after Eurystheus’ oracle, orders his death and the throwing of the body to the dogs (lines 1045–1052). The Chorus says only that its conduct brings no stain on its rulers (lines 1053–1055). Eurystheus himself, who is treated as a villain at the start, says that he fought out of necessity because of Hera and the children’s hatred (lines 987–1008), and that his tomb will protect Athens and harm the descendants of the children he persecuted (lines 1030–1044).

The text also includes a number of remarks on good and bad fortune. Iolaus says noble birth resists adversity better than low birth (lines 297–305); the Chorus says that no one is blessed or cursed without the will of heaven (lines 608–617); and the servant concludes from the fall of Eurystheus that no one should envy another until they see his death (lines 862–866).

Children of Heracles Sources

Euripides, Children of Heracles, lines 1–1055, for all scenes, speakers and quotations in this article; Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.32.6, for the name Macaria; Homer, Iliad 15.639–640, for Copreus as Eurystheus’ herald. The Greek text can be read here.

See Also: Euripides, Iolaus, Alcmene, Demophon, Heracles