Astynome, also known as Chryseis, is a figure from Greek mythology. She was the daughter of a priest of Apollo named Chryses. Astynome was captured during the Trojan War and given as a concubine to the Greek leader Agamemnon. Her father, Chryses, attempted to ransom her, but when Agamemnon refused, Chryses prayed to Apollo, who sent a plague upon the Greek army. This event is one of the key incidents that leads to a conflict between Agamemnon and Achilles in Homer’s Iliad.
Agamemnon was a prominent figure in Greek mythology and a central character in several ancient Greek literary works, most notably Homer’s Iliad. He was the king of Mycenae (or Argos) and the leader of the Greek forces during the Trojan War. As a powerful and authoritative ruler, Agamemnon commanded the various Greek armies in their assault on Troy.
Some key aspects of his story include:
- Royal lineage: Agamemnon was the son of King Atreus of Mycenae and Queen Aerope, and the brother of Menelaus, whose wife, Helen, was abducted by Paris of Troy, leading to the Trojan War.
- Role in the Trojan War: As commander of the Greek forces, Agamemnon played a central role in organizing the war against Troy. However, his leadership was marred by internal conflict, especially his feud with the warrior Achilles, sparked by Agamemnon’s decision to take Achilles’ war prize, Briseis.
- Family tragedies: Agamemnon’s story is filled with family drama. Before departing for Troy, he sacrificed his daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the goddess Artemis and ensure safe passage for his fleet. This act later contributed to his downfall.
- Death: After the war, Agamemnon returned home, but his fate was tragic. He was murdered by his wife, Clytemnestra, and her lover, Aegisthus. Clytemnestra killed him partly in revenge for the sacrifice of their daughter Iphigenia.
Agamemnon’s story is not only central to the Iliad but is also explored in works like Aeschylus’ Oresteia, which details the aftermath of his murder.
