Iphigenia in Aulis

Brief Overview

The tragedy «Iphigenia in Aulis» by Euripides narrates the events leading up to the Trojan War. The Greek fleet, assembled in Aulis, is unable to set sail for Troy due to a calm sent by the goddess Artemis. The seer Calchas declares that the winds will rise only if Agamemnon, the leader of the Greeks, sacrifices his daughter Iphigenia. Agamemnon, torn by inner conflict, initially agrees but then tries to reverse his decision. However, his brother Menelaus and other leaders insist on the sacrifice. Iphigenia, upon learning of her fate, is initially in despair but then accepts her destiny for the sake of Greece. At the last moment, Artemis replaces Iphigenia with a deer, saving the girl.