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In Greek mythology, Thyestes (pronounced /θaɪˈɛstiːz/, Greek: Θυέστης, [tʰyéstɛːs]) was a king of Olympia. Thyestes and his brother, Atreus, were exiled by their father for having murdered their half-brother, Chrysippus, in their desire for the throne of Olympia. They took refuge in Mycenae, where they ascended the throne upon the absence of King Eurystheus, who was fighting the Heracleidae. Eurystheus had meant for their lordship to be temporary; it became permanent because of his death in conflict.[1]
The most popular representation of Thyestes is that of the play Thyestes by Seneca in 62 AD. This play is one of the originals for the revenge tragedy genre. Although inspired by Greek mythology and legend, Seneca's version is different.[2]
- ^ "Atreus | King of Mycenae, Son of Pelops, Father of Agamemnon | Britannica". www.britannica.com. Retrieved 2 October 2024.
- ^ Seneca, Lucius Annaeus; Miller, Frank Justus (1917). Seneca's tragedies. Harold B. Lee Library. London : W. Heinemann ; New York : G.P. Putnam's Sons.