The Women of Trachis

Summary

The Women of Trachis is a tragedy by Sophocles centered around the story of Deianira, the wife of Heracles. Troubled by her husband's prolonged absence, Deianira sends their son Hyllus to search for Heracles. Soon, she learns that Heracles has conquered the city of Oechalia and taken Iole, the daughter of King Eurytus, as a captive, with whom he has fallen in love. In an attempt to win back her husband's affection, Deianira uses a magical cloak soaked in the blood of the centaur Nessus, believing it would rekindle Heracles' feelings. However, the cloak turns out to be poisonous, and Heracles dies in excruciating pain. Realizing her mistake, Deianira takes her own life. The tragedy concludes with Heracles, before his death, asking his son Hyllus to marry Iole and to bury him on Mount Oeta.