Publisher's Synopsis
The Trachiniae, also known as The Women of Trachis, is a Greek tragedy written by Sophocles. The play is set in the aftermath of the Trojan War and revolves around the tragic story of Deianeira, the wife of the Greek hero Heracles. Deianeira is left alone in Trachis while Heracles is away on one of his legendary quests. She receives news that he has fallen in love with another woman, Iole, and is planning to bring her home as his new wife. Desperate to win back her husband's love, Deianeira turns to a powerful love potion given to her by the centaur Nessus. However, the potion has deadly consequences, leading to a tragic end for all involved. The play explores themes of jealousy, betrayal, and the consequences of one's actions. The Trachiniae is considered one of Sophocles' lesser-known works, but it still showcases his mastery of Greek tragedy and his ability to create complex characters and compelling plotlines.DEIANEIRA Ye have heard of my trouble, I think, and that hath brought you here; but the anguish which consumes my heart- ye are strangers to that; and never may ye learn it by suffering! Yes, the tender plant grows in those sheltered regions of its own! and the Sun-god's heat vexes it not, nor rain, nor any wind; but it rejoices in its sweet, untroubled being, til such time as the maiden is called a wife, and finds her portion of anxious thoughts in the night, brooding on danger to husband or to children. Such an one could understand the burden of my cares; she could judge them by her own.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.