Aegisthus

Background

Aegisthus is a significant figure in Greek mythology, particularly in the tales surrounding the House of Atreus and the epic narrative of the Trojan War and its aftermath. His story is marked by themes of betrayal, revenge, and tragedy. Here are the key aspects of Aegisthus' life and role in Greek mythology:

Genealogy and Early Life

Parentage: Aegisthus was the son of Thyestes and his daughter Pelopia, making his birth the result of an incestuous union. This background is part of the larger, cursed narrative of the House of Atreus, known for its cycles of betrayal and vengeance.
Infant Abandonment and Rescue: As an infant, Aegisthus was abandoned by his mother Pelopia but was later found and raised by a shepherd. Eventually, he was taken in by Atreus, his uncle, who was unaware of Aegisthus' true parentage.

Key Events and Actions

Revenge against Atreus: When Aegisthus discovered his true identity, he killed Atreus, avenging his father Thyestes. This act of patricide was a pivotal moment in the ongoing feud between Thyestes and Atreus, two brothers embroiled in a bitter struggle for power.
Affair with Clytemnestra: Aegisthus became the lover of Clytemnestra, the wife of Agamemnon, king of Mycenae. Together, they plotted to murder Agamemnon as he returned from the Trojan War. This affair and subsequent murder are central elements in the tragic cycle of the House of Atreus.

Role in the Murder of Agamemnon

Conspiracy and Murder: Upon Agamemnon's return from Troy, Aegisthus and Clytemnestra successfully executed their plan. They killed Agamemnon, along with his concubine Cassandra, in a brutal act of treachery. This murder was motivated by a combination of personal vendetta (Aegisthus' revenge for his father's suffering) and Clytemnestra's anger over Agamemnon's sacrifice of their daughter, Iphigenia.
Rule of Mycenae: After Agamemnon's death, Aegisthus and Clytemnestra ruled Mycenae together. Their rule, however, was marked by fear and instability, as they were both haunted by the specter of retribution.

Downfall and Death

Revenge of Orestes: The murder of Agamemnon set the stage for further vengeance. Agamemnon's son, Orestes, returned to Mycenae to avenge his father's death. With the help of his sister Electra and guidance from the oracle at Delphi, Orestes killed both Aegisthus and Clytemnestra.
Legacy of the Curse: Aegisthus' life and actions are integral to the narrative of the cursed House of Atreus. His role in the cycle of revenge highlights the themes of familial strife, the consequences of betrayal, and the inescapable nature of fate.

Literary Depictions

Aeschylus' "Oresteia": Aegisthus features prominently in Aeschylus' trilogy, particularly in the first play, "Agamemnon," and the second, "The Libation Bearers." These works explore the themes of justice, revenge, and the impact of inherited curses.
Other Works: Aegisthus also appears in works by other playwrights and poets, including Sophocles and Euripides, each offering different perspectives on his character and motivations.

Summary

Aegisthus is a pivotal figure in Greek mythology, embodying the themes of betrayal and vengeance that permeate the stories of the House of Atreus. His affair with Clytemnestra and their murder of Agamemnon set off a chain of events leading to further tragedy and retribution. Through his actions and their consequences, Aegisthus' story underscores the tragic inevitability of fate and the destructive power of revenge in Greek mythological narratives.