Άλκηστις

by Euripides

"Άλκηστις" by Euripides is a tragedy first performed in 438 BCE at the Great Dionysia festival in Athens. The play tells the story of Alcestis, a devoted wife who willingly sacrifices her life to save her husband Admetus, the king of Pherae. This unique work occupies an unusual position in Greek drama, serving as the fourth play in a tetralogy where a satyr play would normally appear. It explores themes of marital devotion, self-sacrifice, and the role of women in ancient society through its heroine's extraordinary choice.