The Children of Herakles: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Children of Herakles" explores the plight of Herakles' offspring as they seek sanctuary from Eurystheus, the king of Argos, who aims to destroy them. Central to the narrative is Iolaus, an aging warrior and former companion of Herakles, who becomes the children's protector and seeks refuge for them at the altar of Zeus in Marathon. Demophon, the king of Athens, embodies the values of his city by offering sanctuary while grappling with the moral dilemma of a required sacrifice to secure victory against Eurystheus. Macaria, the noble daughter of Herakles, ultimately offers her life to save her siblings, showcasing themes of self-sacrifice and familial loyalty. The play also features Alcmene, Herakles' mother, whose fierce desire for vengeance against Eurystheus reveals the complexity of her character. Eurystheus, while depicted as a tyrant, presents a calm demeanor when captured, challenging the audience's perception of villainy. The children of Herakles, though silent, symbolize innocence amidst the surrounding turmoil, contributing to the emotional weight of the narrative. Overall, the play weaves a rich tapestry of loyalty, sacrifice, and the struggle for justice within a mythological context.
The Children of Herakles: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Euripides
Genre: Play
Locale: Before the temple of Zeus at Marathon
Plot: Tragedy
Time: The age of legend
Iolaus (i-oh-LAY-uhs), an aged warrior, the former companion and friend of Herakles and the guardian of Herakles'children in their attempt to escape the efforts of Eurystheus, the king of Argos, to destroy them. At the opening of the play, after long wandering, Iolaus has sought refuge with the children before the altar of the temple of Zeus at Marathon. He pleads successfully for their sanctuary before Demophon, the king of Athens, against the arguments of Copreus, the messenger of Eurystheus. the protection offered by the Athenians means inevitable attack from Eurystheus, and the oracles tell Demophon that for him to be victorious, a maiden of a noble house must be sacrificed to Persephone. Because Demophon will not offer up his own child and cannot expect any other citizen to do so, Iolaus offers to give himself up to Eurystheus if the children can be saved. Although made in vain, the suggestion is sincere. the question is resolved by the sacrifice of Macaria, a daughter of Herakles. When a messenger appears with news of the preparation for battle with the Argive host, Iolaus, whose feebleness has been emphasized repeatedly, suddenly insists that he go with him, and he is led off, stumbling in his weakness. In the course of the battle, however, he is rejuvenated temporarily by special gift of the gods and, with the help of Hyllus, a son of Herakles, he captures Eurystheus. Iolaus' character is strangely uneven, and he does not develop into the great and tragic figure he might easily have been.
Demophon (DEE-muh-fon), the king of Athens and son of Theseus. A personification of the spirit of Athens, he exhibits all the qualities attributed to the city: He is noble, brave, dignified, and kind. He offers sanctuary to the children not only because he is a kinsman to Herakles but also because his city is free. He is democratic as a ruler: He will not compel the sacrifice of any citizen and is careful to accept that of Macaria only after she has indignantly rejected any substitution.
Alcmene (alk-MEE-nee), the mother of Herakles. She appears late in the play when she mistakes a messenger, bringing news of the arrival of Hyllus, for an Argive and repels him furiously. She earnestly begs Iolaus not to go into battle; however, when Eurystheus is brought captive before her, the violence of her character is given full play. Although the chorus forbids the murder of a prisoner, she thirsts for the death of her enemy and offers to take the blood-guilt upon herself. She has her way after agreeing to surrender the body to his friends after death. the scene is abrupt and horrible because the reader has not been made to feel the suffering that would lead Alcmene to such violence.
Eurystheus (ew-REHS-thews), the king of Argos and Mycenae. Although spoken of throughout the play, he appears only at the end and then is not villain enough to fit the impression that has been built. He has been spoken of as proud, a bully, and a coward, but he is calm, dignified, and brave before Alcmene and the threat of death. Refusing to plead for his life, he assures the Athenians that because they tried to save him, his spirit will help them against the descendants of the children of Herakles who will later invade Attica.
Macaria (mah-KAYR-ee-uh), the daughter of Herakles who gives her life as a sacrifice for the safety of her brothers and sisters. She has pride of blood but is nevertheless restrained and modest. She is the ideal type of the young virgin.
Copreus (KOP-ree-uhs), the herald of Eurystheus. He attempts to drag the children from the temple of Zeus and attacks Iolaus. Because he is a messenger of Eurystheus, his action accounts largely for the impression of insolent pride that the chorus has of the king.
Children of Herakles, who, though silent, are on the stage from the beginning of the play to the end.