I FINALLY DID IT

They are so dear to me 😭😭

One of the interesting things about Alcestis is Heracles' characterization.

When he finds out Admetus is mourning, the first person he thinks of is that it's one of his children.

"God keep your children free from harm!" - Line 514

He doesn't immediately jump to politics or reputation, but thinks of family first.

He's Heracles the warrior, yet for a moment, Heracles the father slips out.

He's a family man, and those who know how deeply family shaped him. Whether Euripides intended the audience to make that connection or not, it's hard not to see a tragic irony there.

This Heracles is cheerful, boisterous, and as the Attendant complains, is fond of food and drinks, but he's also deeply loyal to his friends. The moment he realizes Admetus lied to spare him discomfort, his attitude changed to:

"I'm sure I'll bring Alcestis up here and put her in my host's arms. He welcomed me into his house, when he was struck with great misfortune. He didn't drive me away. He nobly hid his grief, out of respect for me. What Thessalian, what Greek honors the role of host more than he? And so this noble man won't have to say the man he treated was bad." - Line 855-860

He wasn't ordered to do this, and it has nothing to do with glory or his Labors. But rather, he does it because his friend showed him kindness while suffering.

There's a complication, though. In Euripides' Heracles, the murder of his wife and children happens after the Labors, whereas Alcestis takes place during them. So this Heracles hasn't yet experienced that tragedy.

But that doesn't have to contradict with this.

Euripides portrays Heracles as deeply human. He's strong enough to wrestle Death itself, but he eats and drinks too much, makes social blunders, apologizes when he's wrong, and cares fiercely for his friends and family.

He's not a distant ideal hero.

But dare I say, a big-hearted man who sometimes acts before he thinks.

And seeing his concern and actions during this play hurts, knowing what will one day befall him.

I imagine Iphthime visiting the port of Iolcus (maybe?) asking if there was were the Argonauts left, she recieves and answer: yes and do not ask more🙂. Wild Alcestis🙂

I’m also thinking about Iphthime and Penelope youth. I feel is very underrated and shadowed by Penelope’s relation with their cousins. Would love to see way more sisterhood🥰