Macaria in the ancient sources

Ancient Sources / Figures / Macaria

5 passages from 2 ancient authors that tell of Macaria, in the original with English translation, author by author in the order the Greeks read them. Macaria is the name given to two figures in Greek mythology and ancient Greek religion. The first character named Macaria was the daughter of the dem... For the story in one place, read our article on Macaria.

Euripides (4)

Euripides, Children of Heracles 474–538Second episode: Macaria offers her lifeMacaria, the daughter of Heracles, comes out and says that she has heard their grief and asks to know what troubles them. Iolaus tells her of the oracle, and she answers that she will give her own life, of her own free will, for her brothers, for Iolaus and for the city, and says that it would be shameful to be saved while the others die. The Chorus praises her brave words.
Euripides, Children of Heracles 539–573Second episode: Macaria will die freely, not by lotIolaus says that she is Heracles' true child, but wishes that the lot might decide who is to die. Macaria answers that there is no merit in dying by lot, but she will give her life freely, and she asks Iolaus to stand by her and veil her body, and that she may die in the arms of women. Demophon agrees to this and tells her to say her last words.
Euripides, Children of Heracles 574–607Second episode: Macaria's farewell to Iolaus and her brothersMacaria bids Iolaus farewell and asks him to teach her brothers to be like their father and to remember her burial if they return home. She says that she gives up her bridal bloom to die for them. Iolaus tells her that her fame will surpass that of all women, and, overcome with grief, asks the children to help him to a seat.
Euripides, Children of Heracles 608–641Second choral song; a servant of Hyllus arrivesThe Chorus says that none is blest or cursed without the will of heaven, and tells Iolaus to bear his grief, since Macaria has won a glorious death. A servant of Hyllus arrives and greets the children, and asks where Iolaus is. Iolaus, lying in grief, says that he is old and has suffered a sorrow, and the servant tells him that he brings good news.

Pausanias (1)

Pausanias, Description of Greece 1.32.1–7Attica: the mountains and the plain of MarathonPausanias names the mountains of Attica, Pentelicus, Parnes and Hymettus, with their images and altars of Zeus and the honey of Hymettus. At Marathon he describes the graves of the Athenians, the Plataeans and the slaves, the tomb of Miltiades, the nightly sounds of battle, the hero Echetlaeus, the trophy, the spring Macaria and the legend of the children of Hercules, the marsh, the mangers of Artaphernes’ horses and the grotto of Pan.