What does Iphigenia symbolize?

“Iphigenia” means “strong-born,” “born to strength,” or “she who causes the birth of strong offspring.”

Why does Agamemnon sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia?

When the Greek fleet is becalmed at Aulis, thus preventing movement of the expeditionary force against Troy, Agamemnon is told that he must sacrifice Iphigenia to appease the goddess Artemis, who has caused the unfavourable weather. Agamemnon lures his daughter to Aulis by pretending that she will marry Achilles.

How old was Iphigenia when she was sacrificed?

A tale recounted by Euripides was that the king of Mycenae had once made an unthinking vow, shortly before the birth of his daughter, which proved fatal to both of them: he had promised to sacrifice to Artemis “whatever the year produced that was the most beautiful.”​11 Barely born, Iphigenia, a virgin of marvelous …

What excuse did Agamemnon give to Clytemnestra when he sent for their daughter Iphigenia?

Agamemnon told this lie because he suspected that if he told his wife the real reason why he wanted Iphigenia to come to Aulis, that Clytemnestra would not go along with the plan. But Clytemnestra suspected nothing; she prepared her daughter for marriage and sent her off to Aulis.

What comment did the chorus say on Clytemnestra?

Clytemnestra’s most important characteristic is her male strength of heart. As the Elders of Argos, the Chorus comments: “Madam, yours words are like a man’s, both wise and kind.” She is a strong woman, and her strength is evident on many occasions is the play.

Was Iphigenia willing to be sacrificed?

Some sources state that when Iphigenia realised her fate, she went willingly to be sacrificed, believing that her death was in a heroic cause. Few of the Achaean leaders could watch the sacrifice, but the seer Calchas raised his knife to give the killing strike.

Is Clytemnestra Helens sister?

Clytemnestra (/ˌklaɪtəmˈnɛstrə/; Greek: Κλυταιμνήστρα, Klytaimnḗstrā, [klytai̯mnɛ̌ːstraː]), in Greek mythology, was the wife of Agamemnon, king of Mycenae, and the sister of Helen of Troy.