Clytemnestra in the ancient sources

Ancient Sources / Figures / Clytemnestra

52 passages from 6 ancient authors that tell of Clytemnestra, in the original with English translation, author by author in the order the Greeks read them. Why did Clytemnestra kill Agamemnon? Explore her marriage, the sacrifice of Iphigenia, her affair with Aegisthus, her death and lasting symbolism. For the story in one place, read our article on Clytemnestra.

Homer (3)

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 3.201–328Nestor 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 24.98–202Amphimedon's storyThe ghost of Agamemnon asks Amphimedon how so many young men came to die, and Amphimedon tells how the suitors courted Penelope, who put them off with the web, and how Odysseus came in disguise and killed them. He says that their bodies still lie unburied in the hall. Agamemnon praises Penelope's virtue and contrasts her with Clytemnestra.

Apollodorus (1)

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.

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.

Sophocles (10)

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.
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 773–848Second episode: Clytaemnestra's relief and Electra's despairClytaemnestra says that Orestes' death frees her from the fear that kept her from sleep, and she invites the stranger into the house. Electra, left with the Chorus, says that she will lie at the gate and wither away, since her only hope of an avenger is dead. The Chorus answer her with the story of Amphiaraus, betrayed by his wife but still powerful among the dead, but Electra says that she has no champion left.
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 680–772Second episode: the Paedagogus' false report of the chariot raceThe Paedagogus tells how Orestes won every prize at the Pythian games, and how in the chariot race he was thrown from his car and dragged by the reins, and died. He says that the body was burned at once and that men of Phocis are bringing the ashes in a small bronze urn. Clytaemnestra says that she does not know whether the news is fortunate or terrible, since she keeps her life through her own loss, and that a mother cannot hate the child she bore.
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 417–471First episode (cont.): Clytaemnestra's dream and the offeringsChrysothemis tells how Clytaemnestra dreamed that Agamemnon returned to the light and planted his sceptre at the hearth, and that a branch grew from it and shaded all Mycenae. Electra persuades her not to lay Clytaemnestra's offerings on the tomb, and to give instead locks of hair from both sisters and Electra's belt, praying for the return of Orestes. The Chorus approve, and Chrysothemis agrees and asks them to keep silent.
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 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 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.

Euripides (34)

Euripides, Iphigenia at Aulis 1336–1367bFifth episode: Achilles reports that the army demands the sacrificeThe Chorus Leader pities Iphigenia, who sees Achilles approaching with armed men and is ashamed to face him, and Clytemnestra tells her that there is no time for affectation. Achilles says that a fearful cry has risen among the Argives that her sacrifice is necessary, and that he was nearly stoned for trying to save her. He says that Odysseus has been chosen to take her, and that he will defend her.
Euripides, Iphigenia at Aulis 677–740Second episode: Clytemnestra questions Agamemnon about the weddingAgamemnon sends Iphigenia in, and Clytemnestra asks about the bridegroom's family, and he tells her of Aegina, of Peleus and Thetis, and of the Centaur Chiron. Clytemnestra asks who will give the bride away and where she is to prepare the feast for the women. Agamemnon says that she must go back to Argos, and Clytemnestra, after protesting, refuses to obey.
Euripides, Iphigenia at Aulis 857–899Third episode: the old servant reveals Agamemnon's planThe old servant calls through the half-opened door, and, speaking to Achilles and Clytemnestra alone, tells them that Agamemnon is about to slay his daughter, at the order of Calchas, so that the army can sail for Troy. He says that the marriage was only an inducement, and that he had started to carry a letter forbidding the sacrifice, which Menelaus took from him.
Euripides, Iphigenia at Aulis 1433–1531Exodos: Iphigenia bids her mother farewell and goes to the altarIphigenia asks her mother why she is silent, and tells her that the altar of the goddess will be her tomb and that she is not to mourn. She asks her mother not to hate Agamemnon and to rear Orestes, and then asks the Chorus to sing for her. She goes out to the altar, saying that she was reared to be a light to Hellas.
Euripides, Iphigenia at Aulis 1098–1145Fourth episode: Clytemnestra confronts AgamemnonClytemnestra comes out to look for her husband, and Agamemnon asks her to send the maiden out for the lustral water, the barley-meal and the heifers to be slain before the marriage. Clytemnestra, who now knows what he intends, brings Iphigenia out with the child Orestes. She asks whether he means to slay their child, and Agamemnon, unable to deny it, cries out on fate.
Euripides, Iphigenia at Aulis 801–856Third episode: Achilles meets Clytemnestra and the wedding is deniedAchilles arrives, calling for Agamemnon and complaining that his Myrmidons are restless at the delay. He meets Clytemnestra, who gives her name and her hand, and speaks of the marriage. Achilles, who knows nothing of it, is bewildered, and she withdraws in shame. As he turns to seek the king, the old servant calls him back.
Euripides, Electra 1111–1146Exodos: Electra lures Clytemnestra into the houseElectra tells her mother that she sighs too late, and says that she might remember her exiled son. Clytemnestra asks why she was summoned. Electra tells her that she has given birth and begs her mother to make the tenth-day sacrifice for the child, since she does not know how. Clytemnestra says that she will go to the field to sacrifice to the gods, and goes into the poor house, and Electra says in an aside that she will receive her due.
Euripides, Iphigenia at Aulis 977–1035Third episode: Achilles promises to protect IphigeniaClytemnestra thanks Achilles and says that she will have her daughter come out if he wishes, but he says that she should not bring her out to be seen, and tells her to supplicate Agamemnon first. He says that if the king is stubborn she may come to him, and that he will keep watch over her.
Euripides, Electra 988a–1050Exodos: Clytemnestra arrives and defends the killing of AgamemnonThe Chorus greets Clytemnestra, who arrives in a chariot, with her Trojan slave women, and tells them to take her hand as she steps down. Electra, who says she lives as a slave, tells her mother of her state, and Clytemnestra defends herself, saying that Agamemnon plotted against his own family when he sacrificed her daughter Iphigenia, and that she did what she did because of it.
Euripides, Iphigenia at Aulis 1532–1629Exodos: the messenger reports the sacrifice and the substituted deerA messenger calls Clytemnestra out of the tent to hear a strange and marvellous story about her child. He tells how Iphigenia was led to the grove of Artemis and offered herself bravely, how Calchas laid his sword in the golden basket and Achilles ran round the altar with the lustral water. At the moment of the blow the maiden vanished and a great deer lay dead in her place, and Agamemnon then confirms that Iphigenia has gone to the gods.
Euripides, Orestes 71–135Prologue: Helen asks Electra to take offerings to Clytemnestra's tombHelen, newly arrived from Troy, asks Electra how she and her brother fare. She asks Electra to take offerings to Clytemnestra's tomb, but Electra refuses, and Helen sends her daughter Hermione instead. Electra says to the Chorus that Helen has not changed, and has been the ruin of her family.
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.

22 more passages of Euripides that name Clytemnestra

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 2.22.1–9Argos: sanctuaries of Hera and Latona, the Dioscuri, Hecate and the gymnasium of CylarabesSouth of the Latona sanctuary Pausanias describes the temple of Flowery Hera and the grave of the Sea-Women, the sanctuary of Pelasgian Demeter, a bronze vessel said to hold the bones of Tantalus, and the shrine of Poseidon of the Dashing Wave. He then lists the grave of Argus, the temple of the Dioscuri, the sanctuary of Ilithyia founded by Helen, and the temple of Hecate with images by Scopas, Polyclitus and Naucydes. He ends with the tomb of Sacadas and the gymnasium of Cylarabes.
Pausanias, Description of Greece 8.34.1–6Maniae and Acé: Orestes' madness and cure near MegalopolisPausanias describes the sanctuary of the Maniae, goddesses of madness identified with the Eumenides, on the road from Megalopolis to Messene, where Orestes is said to have gone mad. Nearby are the mound called Finger's Tomb, where Orestes bit off a finger, the place Acé, where he was healed, and a place where he cut his hair. He explains the sacrifices to the black and white goddesses and gives the Peloponnesian version in which the accuser at the Areopagus was Perilaus. The section ends with the rivers Gatheatas and Carnion and the boundary with Messenia at the Hermaeum.