Agamemnon
Agamemnon is a legendary figure in Greek mythology, usually described as the king of Mycenae or Argos and commander of the Greek forces in the Trojan War.
Agamemnon is a legendary figure in Greek mythology, usually described as the king of Mycenae or Argos and commander of the Greek forces in the Trojan War. He is the brother of Menelaus and the husband of Clytemnestra, and his return from Troy ends in his murder in later mythic traditions.
Mythological background
Agamemnon belongs to the royal House of Atreus in Greek mythology. Sources differ slightly on his parentage and realm, but he is most often described as the son of Atreus and the ruler of Mycenae or Argos.
Trojan War leadership
In Homeric tradition, Agamemnon serves as commander-in-chief of the Greek coalition against Troy. He is portrayed as the leading Greek king and is associated with the largest single fleet contingent.
Family and household
Agamemnon is the brother of Menelaus and the husband of Clytemnestra. Traditions vary on the number and names of his children, but Orestes and Iphigenia are among the best known.
Death and later reception
After the Trojan War, Agamemnon is usually said to have been killed on his return home, often by Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus. This episode became a major subject in Greek tragedy, especially in Aeschylus’s work.
Key facts
- Agamemnon is a major figure in Greek heroic legend and Homeric epic.
- He is usually identified as the ruler of Mycenae or Argos.
- He led the Greek expedition against Troy and commanded the largest contingent of ships.
- In later myths, he is murdered after returning home, commonly by Clytemnestra and Aegisthus.
- His story is central to Aeschylus’s Oresteia and other classical works.
Agamemnon appears in standard world mythology and classical literature taught in Canadian classrooms and studied in Canadian university classics and drama programs.
Frequently asked questions
Who was Agamemnon?
Was Agamemnon a real historical person?
Who were Agamemnon’s parents?
Who was Agamemnon married to?
How did Agamemnon die?
Why is Agamemnon important?
References
- Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AgamemnonSupports: General identification as commander of the Greeks in the Trojan War and account of his death.
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — https://www.britannica.com/topic/Agamemnon-Greek-mythologySupports: Summary of Agamemnon as king of Mycenae or Argos, brother of Menelaus, commander in the Trojan War, and his murder on return.
- Oxford Classical Dictionary / Oxford University Press — https://academic.oup.com/edited-volume/61673/chapter-abstract/548067071?redirectedFrom=fulltextSupports: Scholarly reference for parentage, kingship, role in the Trojan War, and children.
- GreekMythology.com — https://www.greekmythology.com/Myths/Mortals/Agamemnon/agamemnon.htmlSupports: Mythological family relationships and common narrative details.
- Encyclopedia.com — https://www.encyclopedia.com/literature-and-arts/classical-literature-mythology-and-folklore/folklore-and-mythology/agamemnonSupports: Agamemnon in tragedy, including the sacrifice of Iphigenia and Clytemnestra’s revenge.