Artamenes: The Grand Cyrus: Analysis of Major Characters
"Artamenes: The Grand Cyrus" is a novel centered around the epic journey of its protagonist, Artamenes, who is based on the historical figure Cyrus the Great, the founder of the Persian Empire. The narrative begins with Artamenes as a child, marked for death due to a prophecy but ultimately raised by a shepherd. As he grows up, he becomes a formidable general and embarks on a quest to win the love of Mandane, the daughter of Cyaxares, the king of Media, who is also pursued by various other powerful suitors.
Key characters include Mandane, whose beauty and resilience draw the affections of many, including Philidaspes, the king of Assyria, and Mazare, the Prince of Sacia. The tale is further complicated by jealousy from Thomyris, the queen of Scythia, who desires Artamenes for herself and even schemes against Mandane. Through a series of abductions and battles, the intertwined destinies of these characters unfold, highlighting themes of love, jealousy, and the struggle for power. Ultimately, the story culminates in the union of Artamenes and Mandane, showcasing the triumph of love amidst adversity. This exploration of major characters invites readers to delve into the complexities of human emotion within the context of a grand historical adventure.
Artamenes: The Grand Cyrus: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Madeleine de Scudéry
First published: Artamène: Ou, Le grand Cyrus, 1649—1653 (English translation, 1653–1655)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Asia Minor
Plot: Sentimental
Time: 500 b.c.e.
Artamène, in reality Cyrus the Great, the son of the king of Persia. Given as a child to a shepherd to be killed because of an ill omen, the boy is reared by the shepherd. As Artamène, he becomes a great general. He falls in love with Mandane, a beautiful princess, and, along with numerous others, pursues her endlessly and against great odds. After conquering many of the kingdoms of Asia while in pursuit of Mandane, Artamène finds his princess still alive and safe, and they are wed.
Cyaxares (si-AK-suh-reez), king of Cappadocia and Media. Artamène becomes his best general and falls in love with his daughter.
Mandane, the daughter of King Cyaxares. Her hand is sought by numerous kings and princes, but she loves only Artamène. She is the object of the Queen of Scythia's jealousy. When captured by the queen, she is marked for murder; by mistake, a maid of honor is killed in her place. Rescued by Artamène, she marries him at last.
Philidaspes, king of Assyria, who is in love with Mandane. He abducts her and takes her to Babylon but there loses her to arival.
Mazare, the Prince of Sacia, who also loves Mandane. While Philidaspes is locked in a tower, Mazare takes Mandane away.
The King of Pontus, also in love with Mandane. He captures her when she and Mazare are shipwrecked near his fortress. When his fortress is threatened by Artamène, he carries Mandane away.
Anaxoris, in reality Aryante, Prince of the Massagetae and Queen Thomyris' brother. Anaxoris also loves Mandane. Entrusted with Mandane's safety by his friend Philidaspes, he turns her over to Thomyris to keep her away from Artamène.
Thomyris, the powerful queen of Scythia. In love with Artamène, her jealousy causes her to order Mandane's death. A maid of honor is killed by mistake, and before Thomyris can act again, Mandane is rescued by Artamène.
Spargapises, Thomyris' son, who commits suicide in disgrace because he is not recognized when captured in battle.
Araminta, the sister of the queen of Pontus. Mandane is jealous of her because she mistakenly thinks Artamène is enamored of her.
Spithridates, Araminta's suitor, who resembles Artamène and thus causes Mandane to think it is Artamène who is pursuing Araminta. He is killed in battle and, still being mistaken for Artamène, his head is presented to Thomyris.
Prince Phraortes (fray-OHR-teez), who abducts Araminta, leaving Spithridates desperate.
Panthea, the wife of Abradantes, who, along with Araminta, is taken as a hostage by Artamène at Sardis.
Abradantes, one of the rulers whom Artamène fights in his siege of Sardis.
Martesie, Mandane's maid of honor.
The Queen of Corinth, who forms a platonic attachment for Artamène and sends her fleet to help him capture Cumae, to which the king of Pontus has fled with Mandane.
Metrobate, a traitor.