Fact or Fiction
Who is to say which is stranger? Here there is certainly more myth than history but Clytemnestra does have a tomb.
She has famous relatives as well. Her father was King Tyndareus of Sparta and her mother Queen Leda, who was featured in many art works as she was impregnated by Zeus, in the form of a swan.
Thus making Clytemnestra twins with Helen of Troy and the Argonaut duo, Castor and Polydeuces(Pollux).
Trojan War
Her life takes on significance and tragedy during her marriage to Agamemnon, commander of the Greek forces in the Trojan War, who sacrifices their daughter, Iphigenia, to assure smooth sailing to Troy.
Versions of Clytemnestra’s Story
Pick a novel
The behind-the-scenes life of the mythical Greek queen, based on the Oresteia, a trilogy of plays written by ancient Greek playwright Aeschylus. Brought to life with anecdotes of both luxurious palace life and ordinary citizens.
Both received high praise from critics and readers.
The following is from Google’s Bard
Clytemnestra is a major figure in Greek mythology, known for her role in the murder of her husband, King Agamemnon, and the tragic events that followed. Her story is complex and multifaceted, and she has been interpreted in many different ways over the centuries.
In some interpretations, Clytemnestra is seen as a victim of circumstance. She was forced to marry Agamemnon against her will, and he was a cruel and neglectful husband. She was also deeply traumatized by the sacrifice of their daughter, Iphigenia, which Agamemnon made to ensure the success of the Trojan War. In this view, Clytemnestra’s murder of Agamemnon is an act of revenge and self-defense.
In other interpretations, Clytemnestra is seen as a more active and malevolent figure. She is portrayed as a power-hungry woman who is willing to kill to get what she wants. She is also seen as a symbol of female sexuality and aggression, which were seen as threatening to the patriarchal order of ancient Greece.
Ultimately, the significance of Clytemnestra is open to interpretation. She is a complex and contradictory figure who challenges our assumptions about gender, power, and revenge. She is a reminder that there is no single story to tell about women, and that even the most villainous characters can be seen as victims of their circumstances.
Here are some of the ways in which Clytemnestra has been significant in different cultures and time periods:
In ancient Greece, she was often seen as a symbol of female power and sexuality. She was also seen as a warning against the dangers of revenge.
In the Middle Ages, she was often seen as a witch or a demon. She was associated with the forces of evil and darkness.
In the Renaissance, she was often seen as a tragic figure. She was seen as a victim of her own circumstances and of the patriarchal society in which she lived.
In the 20th and 21st centuries, she has been seen in a variety of new ways. She has been seen as a feminist icon, a symbol of female empowerment, and a complex and multi-faceted character.
Clytemnestra’s story continues to be relevant today. She is a reminder that women are not always victims, and that they can be capable of great acts of violence and revenge. She is also a reminder that the past is never truly past, and that the stories we tell about ourselves can have a profound impact on our present.
This BBC audio version is a blend of academic and art
More Clytemnestra in this site