About this book
The Trachiniae is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles, one of the greatest playwrights of ancient Greece. The play is set in the aftermath of Heracles' marriage to Deianira, and explores the themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions. Deianira, Heracles' wife, becomes jealous of Iole, a captive woman that Heracles brings home. In an attempt to win back her husband's love, Deianira sends him a robe soaked in what she believes to be a love potion. However, the potion is actually a poison, and Heracles is slowly consumed by its effects. As Heracles' condition worsens, Deianira realizes the gravity of her mistake and attempts to make amends. However, the consequences of her actions cannot be undone, and the play ends with the tragic deaths of both Heracles and Deianira. The Trachiniae is a powerful exploration of the human psyche, and a cautionary tale about the dangers of jealousy and revenge. It is a timeless work of literature that continues to captivate audiences to this day.DEIANEIRA Ye have heard of my trouble, I think, and that hath brought you here; but the anguish which consumes my heart- ye are strangers to that; and never may ye learn it by suffering! Yes, the tender plant grows in those sheltered regions of its own! and the Sun-god's heat vexes it not, nor rain, nor any wind; but it rejoices in its sweet, untroubled being, til such time as the maiden is called a wife, and finds her portion of anxious thoughts in the night, brooding on danger to husband or to children. Such an one could understand the burden of my cares; she could judge them by her own.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
About Sophocles
Sophocles (circa. 496 BCE - 406 BCE) was the second of the three ancient Greek tragedians whose work has survived to the present day. His first plays were written later than those of Aeschylus, and earlier than those of Euripides. According to the Suda, a 10th century encyclopedia, Sophocles wrote 120 or more plays during the course of his life, but only seven have survived in a complete form, namely Ajax, Antigone, Trachinian Women, Oedipus the King, Electra, Philoctetes and Oedipus at Colonus. For almost 50 years, Sophocles was the most-awarded playwright in the dramatic competitions of ancient Athens that took place during the religious festivals of the Lenaea and the Dionysia. Sophocles competed in around thirty drama competitions; he won perhaps twenty four and never received lower than second place. Aeschylus won fourteen competitions and was defeated by Sophocles at times. Euripides won only four competitions.
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