A-Z: General definitions: Iphigeneia

Definition

Iphigeneia (alternatively Iphigenia) was the eldest daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, and sister to Orestes, Electra and Chrysothemis (or, alternatively, the daughter of Theseus and Helen). When the Greek fleet had assembled at Aulis ready to sail to Troy, there were no favourable winds. Calchas revealed this was due to the anger of Artemis against Agamemnon's family. The only way to appease the goddess was to sacrifice Iphigeneia. The girl was brought to Aulis with her mother, under the pretence of marrying Achilles. Instead, she was prepared for sacrifice. Many versions say that, at the last moment, Artemis substituted a deer, taking the girl to serve in her sanctuary in Tauris. Years later, Iphigeneia's brother Orestes arrived there and took her away.

Related Topics

Trojan War; Wooden Horse; Artemis

• Tweet