Electra · Chapter
Endnotes explained
This chapter provides explanatory endnotes for the play, clarifying mythological references such as Inachus, Apollo Lukeios, the curse of Myrtilus, and the story of Amphiaraus, which illuminate the background of the characters and events.
What happens
This chapter provides explanatory endnotes for the play, clarifying mythological references such as Inachus, Apollo Lukeios, the curse of Myrtilus, and the story of Amphiaraus, which illuminate the background of the characters and events.
Themes in this chapter
Vengeance and Justice
The endnotes reference the curse of Myrtilus and the avenging son of Amphiaraus, underscoring the theme of retribution that drives the plot.
Characters to notice
Key passages
“Inachus, the river god, was the legendary founder of Argos, whither his daughter Io, changed by the jealous Hera into a cow, was driven in her wanderings.”
Inachus, a river god, is said to have founded Argos, where his daughter Io was sent after Hera turned her into a cow.
Provides mythological background for the setting of the play.
“The full meaning is “to cut off the hands and feet and suspend them to the armpits.” This was done to prevent the victim from taking vengeance.”
The phrase means to sever the hands and feet and hang the body by the armpits, a practice meant to stop the victim from seeking revenge.
Explains a brutal custom referenced in the play, highlighting the theme of vengeance.
“Amphiaraus. Induced by his wife Eriphyle to join the expedition of Polyneices against Argos, he was swallowed up by an earthquake. His son (like Orestes) avenged his father and Amphiaraus was honoured as an earth-god.”
Amphiaraus was persuaded by his wife to go to war, where he died in an earthquake; his son later avenged him, similar to Orestes, and Amphiaraus became a god of the earth.
Draws a parallel between Amphiaraus' son and Orestes, reinforcing the theme of filial vengeance.