Aegisthus in the ancient sources

Ancient Sources / Figures / Aegisthus

42 passages from 7 ancient authors that tell of Aegisthus, in the original with English translation, author by author in the order the Greeks read them. In Greek mythology, Aegisthus was the lover of Clytemnestra, and son of Thyestes and Pelopia. Thyestes, having a long – time rivalry with his br... For the story in one place, read our article on Aegisthus.

Homer (6)

Homer, Odyssey 3.201–328Nestor tells of Agamemnon's deathTelemachus wishes that the gods would give him such vengeance, and Nestor tells how Aegisthus seduced Clytemnestra while Agamemnon was away and killed the king on his return. Orestes came home in the eighth year and killed Aegisthus. Nestor tells of Menelaus' stormy journey home, and urges Telemachus to go to Menelaus in Sparta, offering his sons as guides.
Homer, Odyssey 4.425–624Menelaus seizes ProteusProteus comes up from the sea at midday to count his seals and lie down to sleep, and Menelaus and his men leap on him. The old man changes into a lion, a snake, a leopard, a boar, water and a tree, but they hold him fast until he tells Menelaus what the gods require. He tells of the deaths of Ajax and Agamemnon, and that Odysseus is held by Calypso on her island. Menelaus returns home and offers Telemachus horses, but Telemachus asks for a gift that can be stored, since Ithaca has no meadows.
Homer, Odyssey 1.1–95Invocation; the gods in councilThe poet asks the Muse to sing of the man who wandered long after the sack of Troy and lost his comrades through their folly in eating the cattle of the Sun. Odysseus is held on Calypso's island, longing for home, while Poseidon, who is angry with him, is away among the Ethiopians. In the council of the gods Zeus speaks of Aegisthus, and Athena pleads for Odysseus and obtains leave to send Hermes to Calypso and to go herself to Ithaca.
Homer, Odyssey 11.385–464AgamemnonPersephone scatters the ghosts of the women, and the ghost of Agamemnon comes with those who died with him in the house of Aegisthus. He tells Odysseus how Aegisthus and Clytemnestra killed him at a feast, and warns him not to be too open with his wife. He asks for news of his son Orestes, and Odysseus has none.
Homer, Odyssey 3.102–200Nestor tells of the Achaeans' returnNestor recalls the long fighting at Troy, where no one could match Odysseus in counsel, and tells how the Achaeans quarrelled and divided on the eve of their departure. Some sailed with Menelaus, Diomedes and Odysseus to Tenedos, where they quarrelled again, and Nestor sailed home. He says he has heard that Neoptolemus, Philoctetes and Idomeneus reached home safely, and he praises Orestes for killing Aegisthus.
Homer, Odyssey 24.1–97The suitors in HadesHermes leads the ghosts of the suitors down to Hades with his golden wand, squeaking like bats, and they pass the streams of Ocean and the White Rock and come to the meadow of asphodel. There they meet the ghosts of Achilles, Agamemnon, Patroclus and Antilochus. Agamemnon tells Achilles of the splendour of his funeral, and that the Muses sang over him.

Apollodorus (2)

Apollodorus, The Library (Bibliotheca), with the Epitome E.6.1–29The returns from Troy: Nauplius, Agamemnon's murder and OrestesThe Greeks quarrel at an assembly over whether to leave at once, and the section follows the returns: Calchas and Mopsus at Colophon, the storm at Tenos in which Ajax dies, Nauplius's false beacon at Caphereus, Neoptolemus in Molossia, and the fates of Demophon and Phyllis, Podalirius and the Locrian maidens. Agamemnon is murdered by Clytemnestra and Aegisthus, and Orestes avenges him, is tried at Athens, and brings the image of Artemis from the Taurians. The section ends with Menelaus's wanderings and his return to Sparta.
Apollodorus, The Library (Bibliotheca), with the Epitome E.2.1–16Tantalus, Pelops and the house of AtreusThe Epitome describes the punishment of Tantalus in Hades, Pelops' revival after being boiled at the gods' banquet, and his winning of Hippodamia from Oenomaus with the help of the charioteer Myrtilus, whom he then drowns. It follows the sons of Pelops: Atreus and Thyestes quarrel over the kingdom of Mycenae because of the golden lamb, Atreus serves Thyestes his own sons, and Aegisthus, born to Thyestes by his daughter, kills Atreus. It ends with Agamemnon, Menelaus and the children of Agamemnon.

Pindar (1)

Pindar, Pythian Odes 11.1–64Pythian 11: for Thrasydaeus — Orestes and AgamemnonPindar invites the daughters of Cadmus to honour Thrasydaeus of Thebes, victor in the boys' foot-race, and then tells how Orestes was rescued by his nurse after Clytaemnestra killed Agamemnon and Cassandra, how he reached Strophius, and how he later killed his mother and Aegisthus. He asks whether a wind has blown him off course, like a traveller at a fork in the road, and returns to the glory of Thrasydaeus and his father. The ode ends with a prayer to Iolaüs and to Castor and Polydeuces, who live alternately at Therapne and on Olympus.

Aeschylus (7)

Aeschylus, Agamemnon 1577–1673Exodos: Aegisthus and the ChorusAegisthus enters and says that he rejoices to see Agamemnon in the net of justice, and tells the story of Atreus and the banquet he served to his brother Thyestes. The Chorus mock Aegisthus as a man who left the killing to a woman, and say that Orestes may still come back to take vengeance, and the two sides almost come to blows. Clytaemestra stops them and tells Aegisthus that they will be masters of the house.
Aeschylus, Libation Bearers 838–891Episode: Aegisthus walks into the trapAegisthus arrives, having heard the news that Orestes is dead, and the Chorus tell him that he can learn more from the strangers inside. He goes into the palace, and the Chorus pray to Zeus for the success of the plan. His cry is heard from inside, and a Servant comes out shouting that his master has been killed, and Clytaemestra, hearing him, calls for a battle-axe.
Aeschylus, Libation Bearers 973–1020bExodos (1): Orestes displays the robeOrestes shows the bodies of Aegisthus and Clytaemestra, and the robe or net in which his father was killed. He calls on the Sun to see the deed and to bear witness before the court that he killed his mother justly, and says that the robe could be a hunting net, a shroud or a trap for strangers. The Chorus lament and say that no one passes life without suffering.
Aeschylus, Libation Bearers 84–151First episode: Electra pours the libationsElectra asks the Chorus what to say as she pours the libations sent by her mother. The women tell her to pray for good to those who love Agamemnon, and for vengeance on his killers. She prays to Hermes and to her father, asking for Orestes to return and for a more chaste life than her mother's, and she calls on the women to crown the libations with lament.
Aeschylus, Libation Bearers 479–584End of the kommos: Clytaemestra's dream and Orestes' planOrestes and Electra pray that their father will send up help and send Justice to fight for them. The Chorus tell why Clytaemestra sent the libations: she dreamed that she gave birth to a serpent and nursed it, and that it drew blood with her milk. Orestes takes the dream as a sign that he will kill her, and says that he and Pylades will come to the palace gate disguised as strangers, and that Electra must go in and keep their plan secret.
Aeschylus, Libation Bearers 719–782Episode: the Nurse and the message to AegisthusThe Chorus pray for the success of the plan. The Nurse of Orestes comes out weeping, sent by Clytaemestra to fetch Aegisthus to hear the news from the strangers, and to bring his guard. The Chorus persuade her to tell him to come alone and without his guard, and the Nurse agrees.
Aeschylus, Libation Bearers 892–930Episode: Orestes confronts ClytaemestraOrestes appears and tells Clytaemestra that he is looking for her, since Aegisthus has had enough. When she bares her breast and pleads with him, he hesitates, but Pylades speaks and reminds him of the oracles of Loxias and their sworn pact. Orestes drives her inside, and as they argue she warns him of the hounds of a mother's wrath and he answers that he must also escape his father's.

Sophocles (10)

Sophocles, Electra 1442–1510Exodos: Aegisthus is led in to dieAegisthus arrives and asks where the Phocian strangers are who brought news of Orestes' death, and Electra says that they are inside and have shown the body. He orders the gates opened, and sees a shrouded body, which he thinks to be Orestes. Orestes tells him to lift the veil himself, and when he sees Clytaemnestra's corpse he knows that he is lost. Orestes drives him into the house to die where he killed Agamemnon, and the Chorus end the play by saying that the house is free at last.
Sophocles, Electra 1384–1441Third stasimon and the killing of ClytaemnestraThe Chorus sing that Ares and the avengers have gone into the palace, led by Hermes. Electra stands outside to watch for Aegisthus, and Clytaemnestra's cries are heard from inside as she begs her son for mercy. Electra calls out for a second blow, and the Chorus say that the curses are fulfilled. Orestes comes out with the news that all is well within if Apollo's oracle spoke well, and the Chorus see Aegisthus approaching.
Sophocles, Electra 251–327First episode: Electra describes her life in the houseElectra apologises to the Chorus for her vehemence, and says that she cannot do otherwise when she sees Aegisthus on her father's throne, wearing his robes and pouring libations at the hearth where he killed him. She says that her mother joins in these outrages and reviles her, and that Orestes keeps putting off his return. The Chorus ask whether Aegisthus is at home, and she says that he is in the country, and they see Chrysothemis coming from the house with offerings.
Sophocles, Electra 634–679Clytaemnestra's prayer to Apollo; the Paedagogus announces Orestes' deathClytaemnestra orders her maid to bring the offerings, and prays to Apollo to turn her dream to her good, to preserve her and her rule, and to keep away those who wish her ill. The Paedagogus arrives and asks whether this is the house of Aegisthus, and says that he has been sent by Phanoteus the Phocian with news. He tells Clytaemnestra that Orestes is dead, and Electra cries out in grief.
Sophocles, Electra 934–1016Third episode: Electra proposes to kill AegisthusChrysothemis, hearing that Orestes is dead, asks what she can do. Electra asks her to help kill Aegisthus herself, promising that they will win praise and honour as free women, and a worthy marriage. Chrysothemis answers that they are women and have no strength against men, that the plan is hopeless and will bring greater evil, and the Chorus tell Electra to listen.
Sophocles, Electra 1098–1170Fourth episode: Orestes brings the urn; Electra's lamentOrestes arrives with Pylades and attendants, and asks for Aegisthus, saying that they bring the ashes of Orestes in a small urn. Electra asks to hold the urn and takes it in her arms. She pours out her grief for her brother, the care that she gave him as a child, and the hopes that she had for his return, and she asks to be taken into his tomb.
Sophocles, Electra 1288–1383Fourth episode (cont.): the Paedagogus urges hasteOrestes asks Electra to say no more about their mother and Aegisthus and to hide her joy, and she promises to do as he wishes. The old Paedagogus comes out of the palace and scolds them for talking at the door, and tells them to go in now that Clytaemnestra is alone. Electra greets him as the saviour of the house, and Orestes and Pylades go to pray at the shrines before entering while Electra prays to Apollo.
Sophocles, Electra 328–416First episode (cont.): Chrysothemis warns ElectraHer sister Chrysothemis comes from the house, and Electra blames her for obeying their mother and the murderers of their father. Chrysothemis answers that she has no power to resist, and warns that Aegisthus and Clytaemnestra mean to shut Electra up in an underground cell if she does not stop her mourning. She then says that Clytaemnestra has sent her with libations for the tomb of Agamemnon, out of fear caused by a dream, and Electra asks her to tell it.
Sophocles, Electra 472–557First stasimon; Clytaemnestra defends the killing of AgamemnonThe Chorus say that Justice will come, since the dream means that the murder will be avenged, and recall the old chariot race of Pelops, the source of the curse on the house. Clytaemnestra comes out and complains that Electra runs loose when Aegisthus is away and slanders her. She defends her killing of Agamemnon by saying that he sacrificed their daughter Iphigenia, and Electra asks leave to answer her.
Sophocles, Electra 558–633Second episode: Electra answers her motherElectra answers that Agamemnon killed a stag sacred to Artemis and was compelled to sacrifice his daughter for that, and not for Menelaus' sake, so that Clytaemnestra had no right to kill him. She says that her mother did it for her lover, with whom she now has children, while she has cast out Orestes and made Electra a servant. Clytaemnestra threatens her with punishment when Aegisthus returns, and prepares to sacrifice.

Euripides (13)

Euripides, Electra 774–858Messenger speech: Orestes kills Aegisthus at the sacrificeThe Messenger tells how they found Aegisthus in a well-watered garden gathering myrtle for a wreath, how Orestes said that they were Thessalians on their way to the Alpheus to sacrifice to Zeus, and how Aegisthus invited them to join his sacrifice of an ox to the Nymphs. He asked Orestes to show his skill with a Thessalian axe, and, as Aegisthus bent over the entrails, Orestes struck him down, and the servants, learning who the guest was, took his side.
Euripides, Electra 1–53Prologue: the Peasant tells of Electra's marriageA Peasant of Argos tells how Agamemnon sailed from the plain of Inachus to Troy and was killed on his return by Aegisthus, who took his wife Clytemnestra. Aegisthus gave Electra, the daughter of Agamemnon, in marriage to the Peasant, who, being poor, has kept his respect for her and has never touched her, and he tells how she works with him in the fields.
Euripides, Electra 859–898Third choral song; Electra crowns Orestes as victorThe Chorus calls on Electra to dance like a fawn leaping, since her brother has won a crown as great as the one that Alpheus' victors wear. Electra greets the light and the night, saying that she is free to open her eyes now that Aegisthus is dead, and she crowns Orestes with a wreath, as the victor in a contest greater than any in the games. Orestes tells her to give thanks to the gods and fate, and offers her the corpse of Aegisthus to treat as she wishes.
Euripides, Electra 54–81Prologue: Electra goes to the spring at nightElectra, with a pitcher on her head, prays to the black night, nurse of the golden stars, and says that she does not go to fetch water because she is forced to, but to show the gods the outrage of Aegisthus. The Peasant asks why she works so hard, and she says that she holds him equal to the gods, because he has not insulted her; they agree to go, he to the fields and she to the spring.
Euripides, Electra 112–166Parodos: Electra's lament for AgamemnonElectra, coming from the spring with her pitcher, sings a song urging herself onwards, saying that she is Agamemnon's daughter, hated child of Clytemnestra, and that the people of the city call her unhappy Electra. She laments for her father, killed by his wife and Aegisthus, and prays that her brother may come back as a deliverer.
Euripides, Electra 585–647Second episode: Orestes and the Old Man plan the attackThe Chorus sings that the long-awaited day has come that has lighted a beacon to the city, for the one who went from it in exile has returned. Orestes asks the Old Man where he can find his father's enemies and how to join with his friends, and the Old Man says that he has no friend in his misfortune, and that he must rely on his own arm and fortune. The Old Man tells him that Aegisthus is sacrificing at his fields and that Clytemnestra will come to the feast, and when Orestes asks how he can kill both at once, Electra says that she will prepare her mother's slaughter.
Euripides, Electra 648–684Second episode: Electra's lie to summon ClytemnestraThe Old Man tells them that Aegisthus is sacrificing to the Nymphs at his fields, and that Clytemnestra will come to Electra's door if she hears that she has given birth. Electra says that she will send for her mother with word that she has borne a child, and Orestes prays to his father below and to the gods that they may succeed.
Euripides, Electra 747–773Third episode: a Messenger announces Aegisthus' deathThe Chorus hears a noise from afar and bids Electra come from the house, and a Messenger, her brother's servant, arrives to announce that Orestes has conquered and that Aegisthus lies on the ground, the murderer of Agamemnon. Electra, who at first does not know him, asks to hear in what way he died.
Euripides, Electra 1051–1110Exodos: Electra answers her motherThe Chorus says that a woman should yield to her husband in everything, and Electra asks for the frankness that her mother has granted her. She says that her mother and Helen are alike in beauty, and that a mother who killed her husband for a lover, and then lived with him and kept her children away, is no true mother, and that she can say the same of Aegisthus and herself. Clytemnestra says that she regrets the anger against her husband, and asks why Electra is so unwashed and meanly clad.
Euripides, Orestes 544–629Second episode: Orestes defends the matricide; Tyndareus goes to rouse ArgosOrestes says that he is unholy for killing his mother but holy in avenging his father, and that the murder of husbands by wives had to be stopped. He says that Apollo commanded the deed and should be blamed. Tyndareus answers angrily, says that Electra deserves to die even more, tells Menelaus not to help him, and goes to rouse the Argives.
Euripides, Electra 290–338First episode: Electra tells of her mother and AegisthusOrestes asks her to speak, so that he may tell her brother, and Electra tells the story of her father's death and her mother's marriage to Aegisthus, who sits on his throne and insults the dead man's tomb. She tells of her mother's life of luxury, and of Orestes' exile, and says that she herself is a slave in a poor house, and she begs him to report all this to Orestes, saying that it is shameful if the son of such a father cannot kill one man.
Euripides, Electra 900–958Exodos: Electra reproaches the dead AegisthusElectra, ashamed but wishing to speak, reproaches the body of Aegisthus, saying that he had no right to take another man's wife, and to live on his wife's money, and that a man who is called the husband of a woman is no better than her slave. The Chorus says that he did terrible things, and that he has now paid for them, for Justice has great strength.
Euripides, Electra 1292–1359Exodos: the Dioscuri's prophecy and the farewellThe Chorus asks if it is right to speak to the sons of Zeus, and Electra asks why Apollo, who made her a matricide, did not prevent it. The Dioscuri attribute the bloody deed to Phoebus and Necessity's fate, tell of the burial of Aegisthus and Clytemnestra, and say that Helen came from Egypt and never went to Troy, and the brother and sister part in tears, Orestes to go to Athens and Electra with Pylades.

Pausanias (3)

Pausanias, Description of Greece 2.16.1–7Mycenae: Perseus, the Argive kings, the Lion Gate and the tombsPausanias lists the Argive kings from Argos and Triopas to Danaus and Lynceus, the division between Acrisius and Proetus, and the death of Acrisius by Perseus’ quoit. He gives accounts of why Perseus founded Mycenae, and of how the Argives later destroyed it. He describes the surviving walls with the lion gate, the Persea fountain, the treasuries of Atreus and the graves of Agamemnon and his companions, with Clytemnestra and Aegisthus outside the walls.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.22.1–8Athens: Propylaea, Wingless Victory and the picture gallery of the AcropolisBelow the Acropolis are the temple of Themis, the barrow of Hippolytus with the Troezenian version of Phaedra’s love, and shrines of Vulgar Aphrodite, Earth and Green Demeter. Pausanias describes the single approach, the white marble Propylaea and the temple of Wingless Victory, where Aegeus is said to have thrown himself down. In the chamber of pictures he lists Polygnotus’ paintings of Diomede, Ulysses, Orestes and Polyxena, a portrait of Musaeus, and Hermes and the Graces by Socrates.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 2.18.1–9Argos: the road from Mycenae, the tomb of Thyestes and the kings of ArgosOn the road to Argos are a shrine of Perseus, the tomb of Thyestes with its ram, the sanctuary of Mysian Demeter, the river Inachus and an altar of the Sun. Pausanias explains the division of the Argive kingdom among the lines of Anaxagoras, Bias and Melampus, then the rule of Orestes and Tisamenus and the return of the Heraclids, who drove out Tisamenus and the descendants of Nestor.