Showing results by author "Sophocles" in All Categories

After the death of their father, Oedipus, Antigone and Ismene return to Thebes. The ruler is their unyielding uncle by marriage, Creon, who assumed command after the death of the sons of Oedipus, Eteocles, and Polynices in a fratricidal struggle to take control of the city. Creon has the body of one brother buried with full civic honors but forbids the burial of the body of the other, whom he regards as a traitor. Antigone's challenge to Creon's decree, which she considers unjust, results in the extinction of the family line of Oedipus.

Sophocles was born at Colonus, near Athens in about 496 BC and is considered to be one of the premier playwrights of Greek tragedy. His stories may have been filled with strife, but Sophocles himself was prosperous and came from a good family. It is said that he was handsome, wealthy, and a highly respected citizen of Athens. During his life, he wrote over 120 plays and was instrumental in how plays would eventually be performed, including the addition of stage props.

In Sophocles' tragedy, Oedipus discovers that he has been caught in his terrible destiny, unknowingly murdering his father and marrying his mother.

Rediscover an enduring classic in a transformative new light. "Oedipus Rex," the remarkable tragedy penned by Sophocles, has been masterfully revitalized in this riveting and immersive audiobook experience.

Step into the world of ancient Greece with Oedipus the King, a timeless tragedy penned by Sophocles around 429 BC. This gripping tale unfolds the story of Oedipus, who rises to power only to discover the harrowing truth of his fate. As the second of Sophocless three Theban plays, it leads us through a profound exploration of destiny, guilt, and the human condition, making it a benchmark of Greek tragedy. Immerse yourself in this captivating audio rendition, featuring a talented cast and expertly edited by Elizabeth Klett. (Summary by Wikipedia)

Prince Kreon, enforcing an arbitrary mandate, is enraged that Antigone would abide by a natural law of sisterly respect in contradiction of his will. As neither can be reconciled with the other's acts, the drama grows devoutly tenebrous. This translation is iambic, as is most of the text in Greek.

In The Trachinian Tragedy, better known as the Women of Trachis, the wife of Herakles, Deianeira, finds she has a rival in the house for her husband's affection. The consequences of her counteraction are incredible. In this faithful translation, F. L. Light attempts to write as good a play in English as the original in Greek. F. L. Light has also translated Antigone of Sophocles.

Antigone by Sophocles, is a classic Greek tragedy that unfolds against the backdrop of Thebes. The play delves into the profound ethical and moral dilemmas faced by its characters, with Antigone at the center of a conflict between personal convictions and civic duty. The narrative begins with the aftermath of a brutal war, where two brothers, Eteocles and Polynices, have fallen on opposing sides. Antigone, their sister, defies the king's decree and buries Polynices, setting the stage for a clash between divine law and human authority.

Antigone is a famous Greek tragedy attributed to the ancient playwright Sophocles at around 440 BCE. The play expands on the Theban legend of Oedipus that predates it, dealing with Antigone’s burial of her brother Polyneices in defiance of the law and the tragic results of her act. On another level, the play exposes the dangers of the absolute ruler or tyrant in the character of Creon. No one speaks freely to him, so he makes a series of mistakes, illustrating the folly of tyranny.

Œdipe... Aussi orgueilleux qu'opiniâtre, sa clairvoyance, son intelligence ont jadis eu raison de la cruelle Sphinge et de ses énigmes. Porté sur le trône par le peuple libéré pour avoir levé la terreur qui étouffait la ville de Thèbes, il doit encore prouver sa valeur : une malédiction incurable semble frapper sans distinction récoltes, troupeaux et habitants.

Aristotle's assertion that in Greek tragedy there is no loftier work than Oedipus the King cannot be lightly contradicted. This drama is endued fearfully with nature, as she works against the conscientiousness of measure found in man. Heretofore no translation of this play has been a poem of Sophoclean worthiness and work. The rhythmic stature of this translation runs with the Greek in heat and light.

Oedipus Rex & Antigone: two of the most famous plays by Sophocles. Both are a part of the same trilogy, and they are arguably the most important parts of the trilogy. To truly complete your journey with Sophocles, you will need to also check out Oedipus at Colonus.

In Sophocles Athenian tragedy, Women of Trachis (Ancient Greek Τραχίνιαι, Trachiniai), we delve into the tumultuous life of Deianeira, the wife of Heracles. As she narrates her story, we witness her struggles to adapt to married life, overshadowed by Heracles frequent absences due to his heroic exploits. Concerned by ominous prophecies regarding her husbands fate, she sends their son Hyllus to find him. When news arrives that Heracles is returning home victorious from battle, Deianeira is both relieved and troubled by the unexpected arrival of a beautiful young slave girl. This twist ...

In Sophocles gripping play, we delve into a pivotal moment of the Trojan War as the cunning Odysseus and Achilles son, Neoptolemus, journey to a desolate island to persuade the bitter Philoctetes to join their cause in Troy. A prophecy foretells that the Greeks will need Philoctetes and his legendary bow—gifted by Heracles—if they are to achieve victory against the Trojans. The twist? Years earlier, Odysseus had callously abandoned Philoctetes on this very island due to a repulsive snakebite wound. Will Philoctetes find it in his heart to forgive, or will he seek revenge? (Summary by ...

Ajax is a powerful Greek tragedy penned in the 5th century BC, though its exact debut remains a mystery. Most scholars believe it to be an early work, likely composed around 450 - 430 BC. The play delves into the tumultuous fate of the warrior Ajax, set in the aftermath of the Iliad and just prior to the climax of the Trojan War. At the storys outset, Ajax is consumed by rage after Achilles armor is awarded to Odysseus instead of him. In his fury, he vows to exact revenge on the Greek leaders who have dishonored him. However, before he can carry out his drastic plan, the goddess Athena ...

Electra, a powerful Greek tragedy by Sophocles, is shrouded in mystery regarding its exact date of composition. However, its stylistic connections with other works like Philoctetes (409 BC) and Oedipus at Colonus (401 BC) suggest it was crafted towards the twilight of Sophocles illustrious career. Set in the aftermath of the Trojan War in the city of Argos, the play delves into the gripping tale of Electra and her brother Orestes as they seek vengeance against their mother, Clytemnestra, and her lover, Aegisthus, for the brutal murder of their father, Agamemnon. - Summary by Wikipedia

Immerse yourself in the poignant world of Oedipus at Colonus, one of the masterful Theban plays by the celebrated Athenian tragedian Sophocles. Written just before his death in 406 BC and later produced by his grandson at the Festival of Dionysus in 401 BC, this play takes place after the harrowing events of Oedipus the King and before Antigone. In it, we witness the tragic conclusion of Oedipus life as he arrives in Colonus, a village near Athens and Sophocles birthplace, accompanied by his daughters, Antigone and Ismene. As they seek refuge and support from Theseus, the king of Athens, the ...

Experience the timeless tragedy of Sophocles Philoctetes, a gripping tale set against the backdrop of the Trojan War. Written during the tumultuous Peloponnesian War, this play is one of only seven complete tragedies by Sophocles that have withstood the test of time. Premiering at the Festival of Dionysus in 409 BC, where it claimed first prize, the story follows the desperate efforts of Neoptolemus and Odysseus to persuade the wounded master archer, Philoctetes, to join them in their quest for victory at Troy. A powerful exploration of suffering, loyalty, and the human spirit, this play ...

In this powerful second installment of Sophocless Theban Plays, we follow the heart-wrenching journey of Oedipus as he grapples with the devastating consequences of his fate. Having fulfilled the grim prophecy that foretold he would slay his father and wed his mother, Oedipus blinds himself and embarks on a solitary pilgrimage, accompanied by his devoted daughters, Antigone and Ismene. Join us as we explore themes of redemption, loss, and the struggle for peace in this timeless tragedy. (Summary by Elizabeth Klett) Cast Oedipus Andy Minter Antigone Elizabeth Klett Ismene Arielle Lipshaw ...

Oedipus Rex (Ancient Greek Οἰδίπους Τύραννος, Oidipous Tyrannos) is a timeless Athenian tragedy penned by Sophocles, first performed around 429 BC. This version, translated by the esteemed classicist Gilbert Murray, offers a fresh perspective on the title, rendering it as Oedipus, King of Thebes. Positioned as the second play in Sophocless trilogy, it holds a crucial place in the historical timeline, preceding Oedipus at Colonus and followed by Antigone. The narrative unfolds the harrowing story of Oedipus, who rises to become the king of Thebes while fatefully fulfilling a ...