The End of the Trachiniae
Abstract
The Exodos of Trachiniae (971–1278) is generally agreed to be the most problematic part of a problematic play. Of the many questions that could be asked about it this paper proposes three: I. What sense can we make of the presentation of Heracles? II. What are the implications of the two new motifs introduced in the Exodos – the pyre on Mt. Oeta and the marriage of Hyllus and Iole? III. Who speaks the last lines and to whom? These are not novel questions, or ones which admit of conclusive answers, but they are worth reconsidering in the light of continuing critical discussion of the play.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Classical Antiquity Studies
Classical Studies and Philology
Classical Philosophy and Thought
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Cambridge University Press eBooks
- Pages
- 412–427
- Publication date
- 27 February 2026
- Language
- EN
- Document type
- Book chapter