AGAMEMNON
firm, unshakeable
WHO IS AGAMEMNON?
Agamemnon is a famous war hero during the Trojan War. Due to curses on his family, he had to endure treachery, rape, murder and incest. In order escape his troubles, he fled to Sparta, where Melanus helped regain his throne as the king of Mycenae. Because he was extremely ambitious and Melanus wanted to recapture Helen, Agamemnon initiated the Trojan War . Agamemnon became the commander of the Greek forces at Troy and fought alongside other famous heroes, like Odysseus and Achilles. He came across danger very often during the war that lasted ten years. He was lucky enough to be the only ship that safely survived a dangerous storm after Troy fell. Yet, Agamemnon's luck began to run out quickly. After narrowly escaping the dangers from the war. He returns to his home, only to be murdered and betrayed by his wife. Particularly in art, Agamemnon is often portrayed to look like Zeus and is given is the helmet and robes of a leader. |
Enemies of Agamemnon
Agamemnon has two main enemies that arise throughout his tale. One being an enemy from the very beginning, the other betraying him at the very end. They were his demons and a curse on his soul. His most notable enemy is Aegisthus. Aegisthus is Agamemnon’s cousin who is his natural rival. They were born enemies ever since their fathers fought over the throne of Mycenae. He destroys his dignity by having his wife, Clytemnestra, cheat on him. Another notable enemy of Agamemnon would be his wife Clytemnestra who committed adultery with his cousin and natural enemy, Aegisthus. Not only that, but she also murders him when he returns from the Trojan War.
Agamemnon has two main enemies that arise throughout his tale. One being an enemy from the very beginning, the other betraying him at the very end. They were his demons and a curse on his soul. His most notable enemy is Aegisthus. Aegisthus is Agamemnon’s cousin who is his natural rival. They were born enemies ever since their fathers fought over the throne of Mycenae. He destroys his dignity by having his wife, Clytemnestra, cheat on him. Another notable enemy of Agamemnon would be his wife Clytemnestra who committed adultery with his cousin and natural enemy, Aegisthus. Not only that, but she also murders him when he returns from the Trojan War.
Family Friends of Agamemnon
Achilles and Odysseus: Agamemnon’s greatest heroes that fought along his side during the Trojan War
Melanus: brother of Agamemnon who later became king of Sparta, helped Agamemnon reclaim his throne in Mycenae
Tantalus: Agamemnon’s grandfather who cursed his family
Clytemnestra: wife of Agamemnon and sister of Helen who finally killed him
King Atreus and Queen Aerope of Mycenae: Agamemnon's parents
Achilles and Odysseus: Agamemnon’s greatest heroes that fought along his side during the Trojan War
Melanus: brother of Agamemnon who later became king of Sparta, helped Agamemnon reclaim his throne in Mycenae
Tantalus: Agamemnon’s grandfather who cursed his family
Clytemnestra: wife of Agamemnon and sister of Helen who finally killed him
King Atreus and Queen Aerope of Mycenae: Agamemnon's parents
Trojan War
Most of Agamemnon's history exists through his battles during the Trojan War. In sources like the Odyssey by Homer, Agamemnon's tough and crucial decisions seem to be the main focus. For example, one of the toughest decision was having to sacrifice his daughter to Artemis to unsure a safe passage for their ship. Probably his worst mistake was giving in and returning the priest's daughter back to him. This angered Achilles, the man with only one weakness, so Agamemnon looked for a solution. He offered Achilles a maiden named Briseis. This only angered Achilles more, which caused him to withdraw from the battle for some time, which allowed the Trojans to gain the upper hand. The gods also agreed to Achilles' mother's prayer to allow the Trojans to win the battle.
Most of Agamemnon's history exists through his battles during the Trojan War. In sources like the Odyssey by Homer, Agamemnon's tough and crucial decisions seem to be the main focus. For example, one of the toughest decision was having to sacrifice his daughter to Artemis to unsure a safe passage for their ship. Probably his worst mistake was giving in and returning the priest's daughter back to him. This angered Achilles, the man with only one weakness, so Agamemnon looked for a solution. He offered Achilles a maiden named Briseis. This only angered Achilles more, which caused him to withdraw from the battle for some time, which allowed the Trojans to gain the upper hand. The gods also agreed to Achilles' mother's prayer to allow the Trojans to win the battle.
Agamemnon's Strengths and Powers
Agamemnon is a special hero because he has no particular powers and he owes his triumphs to his skills. Agamemnon is able to supply his armies and to command his forces because he is extremely rich and socially respected. He is quite strong and intelligent. He also is trained very well in sword combat and also unarmed combat. He is a naturally born leader. Not only does he lead armies, he also leads people as the king of Mycenae.
Agamemnon is a special hero because he has no particular powers and he owes his triumphs to his skills. Agamemnon is able to supply his armies and to command his forces because he is extremely rich and socially respected. He is quite strong and intelligent. He also is trained very well in sword combat and also unarmed combat. He is a naturally born leader. Not only does he lead armies, he also leads people as the king of Mycenae.
TANTALUS
Tantalus is the grandfather of Agamemnon and the son of Zeus. He is highly respected of the gods, yet he attempts to gain more power than he deserves. He had some of the spoils that an average would have, for example, dining with Zeus. Yet that still wasn't enough for him. The gods gave him more welfare then a person could ask for and he still decided to disrespect them. He stole a golden dog from Zeus's temple and would not surrender it. In order to improve his image from the god's, he invited them over to his house. He attempted to entertain them by killing his son Pelops. Tired of Tantalus's tricks, the gods revived his son and sent him to hell. Thus causing Agamemnon's family to be cursed.
Tantalus is the grandfather of Agamemnon and the son of Zeus. He is highly respected of the gods, yet he attempts to gain more power than he deserves. He had some of the spoils that an average would have, for example, dining with Zeus. Yet that still wasn't enough for him. The gods gave him more welfare then a person could ask for and he still decided to disrespect them. He stole a golden dog from Zeus's temple and would not surrender it. In order to improve his image from the god's, he invited them over to his house. He attempted to entertain them by killing his son Pelops. Tired of Tantalus's tricks, the gods revived his son and sent him to hell. Thus causing Agamemnon's family to be cursed.
Websites
http://www.theoi.com/Text/AeschylusAgamemnon.html
http://www.theoi.com/Text/SenecaAgamemnon.html
http://www.mythindex.com/greek-mythology/A/Agamemnon.html
http://www.britannica.com/topic/Agamemnon-Greek-mythology
http://www.greek-gods.org/greek-heroes/agamemnon.php
http://www.theoi.com/Text/AeschylusAgamemnon.html
http://www.theoi.com/Text/SenecaAgamemnon.html
http://www.mythindex.com/greek-mythology/A/Agamemnon.html
http://www.britannica.com/topic/Agamemnon-Greek-mythology
http://www.greek-gods.org/greek-heroes/agamemnon.php