(ælˈsɛstɪs ) noun. Greek mythology. the wife of king Admetus of Thessaly. To save his life, she died in his place, but was rescued from Hades by Hercules.

Why did Alcestis not speak?

When Admetus turns around, he sees Alcestis. In his astonishment, he first thinks she is a ghost. ... Admetus asks Heracles why Alcestis does not speak. Heracles replies that three days must pass, during which she will become purified of her consecration to the gods of the Underworld, before she can speak again.

What is Alcestis the god of?

Alcestis was a princess in Greek mythology, renowned for the love she had for her husband. She was the daughter of the king of Iolcus, Pelias, and Anaxibia. ... Her father issued a competition, saying that the person who would be able to yoke a lion and a bore to a chariot would be allowed to marry Alcestis.

Why did Alcestis sacrifice herself?

It presents the story of Alcestis, the wife of Admetus, who according to Greek mythology sacrificed her own life in order to bring her husband back from the dead.

What does the name Alcestis mean?

Greek Baby Names Meaning:

In Greek Baby Names the meaning of the name Alcestis is: Name of a woman who gave her life to save her hushand.

Euripides: Alcestis - Summary and Analysis

19 related questions found

What is your Acnestis?

The part of the back (or backbone) between the shoulder blades and the loins which an animal cannot reach to scratch; the part of the human back between the shoulder blades.

Why did Hercules save Alcestis?

Shortly after fighting with Thanatos, Heracles rescued Alcestis from the underworld as a token of appreciation for Admetus' hospitality. In some accounts Persephone, 'the Maiden', sent her up again. But when she comes back alive she is mute. She chooses not to speak.

How does Alcestis return from the dead?

While the story of Admetus' courtship of Alcestis was widely told, she is best known for her devotion to her husband in taking his place in death and her return to life through the intervention of the hero Herakles (better known as Hercules).

How does the play Alcestis end?

Admetus agrees to this and also promises to lead a life of solemnity in her honour, abstaining from the merrymaking that was an integral part of his household. Alcestis then dies. Just afterwards, Admetus' old friend Heracles arrives at the palace, having no idea of the sorrow that has befallen the place.

Is Alcestis a hero?

Alcestis was the hero in the tragedy because she died for her husband, and she sacrificed her life for the life of another. Alcestis represents the justification of human life in the tragedy because she proves that there are more important things than living and physically being alive.

How many kids does Alcestis?

He had three sons. Euripides first produced a play in 455 B. C. (winning Third Prize), and first won First Prize in 441. He won a total of only five victories, one victory being posthumous (Bacchai). His total output is said to have been 92 plays.

Who is King Admetus?

In Greek mythology, Admetus was the king of Pherae in the region of Thessaly, son of Pheres. He participated in the Argonautic Expedition. He was a fair and hospitable king; when Apollo was forced to serve under a mortal because of killing Delphyne, he chose to serve as Admetus' herdsman.

Which hero did not go to the underworld and come back?

For the last labor, Eurystheus decided on something he knew would be impossible: to bring back, alive, the three-headed dog who guarded the entrance to Hades. Before he could enter the underworld, Hercules had to become initiated in the Eleusinian Mysteries at the sacred city of Eleusis.

What Greek myth is the silent patient based on?

The Silent Patient specifically comes from the Euripides play based on the myth of Alcestis.

Why does Hercules come to Admetus house?

According to Aeschylus Apollo made the Fates drunk, and the Fates agreed to reprieve Admetus if he could find someone to die in his place. ... Heracles was greatly impressed by Admetus's kind treatment of him as a guest, and when told of Admetus' situation, he entered Alcestis' tomb.

Who failed by looking back?

Hades set one condition, however: upon leaving the land of death, both Orpheus and Eurydice were forbidden to look back. The couple climbed up toward the opening into the land of the living, and Orpheus, seeing the Sun again, turned back to share his delight with Eurydice. In that moment, she disappeared.

Why did Admetus hide the death of Alcestis from Heracles?

Hercules was an old friend of the couple and he arrives at the court knowing nothing of Alcestis' death. ... Admetus refuses because he promised Alcestis that he would never marry again, and it would be unseemly for this woman to reside at the court so soon after his wife's death.

What killed Hercules?

Hercules was killed by one of his most powerful weapons, itself a relic of one of his most famous adventures. The venom of the Lernean Hydra was used to poison the arrows he used in later adventures, and eventually led to his death.

What does age last mean?

Agelast meaning

(rare) One who never laughs (especially at jokes); a mirthless person.

What is the meaning of give someone the cold shoulder?

to deliberately ignore someone. He gave me the cold shoulder at the party; he didn't talk to me at all.

What is the meaning of Biblioklept?

: one who steals books.

What is Greek mythology known for?

Greek Mythology is the set of stories about the gods, goddesses, heroes and rituals of Ancient Greeks. ... The most popular Greek Mythology figures include Greek Gods like Zeus, Poseidon & Apollo, Greek Goddesses like Aphrodite, Hera & Athena and Titans like Atlas.