Thyestes
Thyestes Author: Lucius Annaeus Seneca
Date Written: AD 25–65
First English Translation: 1560
Genre: Latin trag. in 5 acts; verse
Setting: The palace of Mycenae, in the mythical past
Cast: 8m, 1f, chorus (m)
The ghost of Tantalus is temporarily released from the torments of the underworld to warn his grandsons, Atreus and Thyestes, to abandon their violence towards each other in their struggle over their father's throne. Atreus at present rules in Mycenae but still wishes to be avenged on his brother for all the wrongs he has done him. He deceptively invites Thyestes and his three sons to return from exile and share power with him. Though cautious, Thyestes accepts Atreus' invitation, and they appear to be reconciled. Once in his power, Atreus ritually slaughters Thyestes' three sons, roasts their dismembered...
[The entire page is 398 words long]
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