Agamemnon was the legendary king of Mycenae and the commander of the Greek forces in the Trojan War, as famously depicted in Homer's Iliad. He was the brother of Menelaus and the husband of Clytemnestra, and his story is one of leadership, pride, and tragedy. His arrogance led to a major conflict with the hero Achilles and ultimately contributed to his own murder upon his return from Troy.
Key aspects of Agamemnon's story
Role in the Trojan War: As the supreme commander, he united the Greek city-states against Troy. His leadership was crucial, though his arrogance caused significant problems, most notably a feud with Achilles that nearly cost the Greeks the war.
Family and lineage: He was the son of Atreus and the brother of Menelaus, whose wife Helen was the cause of the Trojan War. He was married to Clytemnestra and was the father of several children, including Iphigenia, Orestes, and Electra.
Tragic flaw: His fatal flaw was hubris, or excessive pride. This led him to offend the goddess Artemis, resulting in a delay of the Greek fleet, and to insult Achilles, causing the hero to withdraw from battle.
Death: Upon his return from the Trojan War, Agamemnon was murdered by his wife, Clytemnestra, and her lover, Aegisthus.
Clytemnestra was motivated by her husband's sacrifice of their daughter Iphigenia and his bringing home a concubine, Cassandra.
Legacy: Agamemnon's story is a central part of Greek mythology, explored in epic poetry and drama. The "Mask of Agamemnon," an ancient funerary mask, is a famous archaeological artifact associated with him.
