Heracleidae

Acts

• Prologue

  Iolaus has brought Heracles' children to Marathon as refugees. Eurystheus demands their surrender.

  72 lines
• Parodos

  The chorus of Marathonian elders supports the suppliants.

  38 lines
• First Episode

  Eurystheus's herald demands the children. Iolaus pleads for sanctuary.

  242 lines
• First Stasimon

  The chorus affirms Athens's tradition of protecting the helpless.

  28 lines
• Second Episode

  An oracle demands a virgin sacrifice. Macaria, Heracles' daughter, volunteers.

  227 lines
• Second Stasimon

  The chorus praises Macaria's courage.

  20 lines
• Third Episode

  Old Iolaus insists on fighting and is miraculously restored to youth.

  120 lines
• Third Stasimon

  The chorus celebrates the victory.

  36 lines
• The Battle

  A messenger describes the Athenian victory. Eurystheus is captured alive.

  108 lines
• Eurystheus Before Alcmene

  Alcmene demands execution. The law clashes with the thirst for vengeance.

  36 lines
• Exodos

  Eurystheus offers a prophecy: his grave will protect Athens. Alcmene consents to his death.

  128 lines