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The Iphigenia in Tauris of Euripides

Written by Euripides

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Iphigenia (Mythological character)

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About this book

"Iphigenia in Tauris" by Euripides is a classic Greek play, likely written in the 5th century BC. This work explores themes of fate, identity, and the consequences of past actions, centering around the character Iphigenia, the daughter of Agamemnon. She finds herself serving as a priestess in a foreign land, grappling with her traumatic past and longing for her homeland while facing the moral complexities of sacrifice and revenge. At the start of the play, Iphigenia reflects on her initial fate of being sacrificed by her father, Agamemnon, at Aulis, before being rescued by the goddess Artemis and transported to Tauris. Here, she serves as a priestess, awaiting the arrival of Greek strangers for ritual sacrifice. The narrative unfolds when two absent figures, Orestes and his companion Pylades, arrive on the coast, unknowingly setting the stage for a dramatic reunion and revelation. Their identity as spirit-driven escapees from the Furies adds layers of tension as they seek the goddess’s sacred image, hoping to free themselves from their pasts and ultimately return both the image and Iphigenia to Greece.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Iphigenia in Tauris of Euripides, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 8 hours
  • advanced
  • Tragic
  • Suspenseful
  • Redemptive

Euripides' "Iphigenia in Tauris" is a compelling Greek tragedy that reimagines the fate of Agamemnon's daughter, Iphigenia, who, after being spared from sacrifice at Aulis by Artemis, serves as a priestess in the barbarian land of Tauris, forced to ritually sacrifice Greek strangers. The narrative intensifies with the arrival of her brother, Orestes, tormented by the Furies for matricide, and his loyal companion Pylades, on a mission from Apollo to retrieve a sacred statue of Artemis. Unaware of each other's identities, their dramatic reunion unfolds amidst a desperate plot for escape, weaving together themes of fate, identity, justice, and the clash between civilization and barbarism, ultimately resolved by divine intervention.

“Oh, Iphigenia, my sister, I never thought to see you again!”

Key themes

Divine Intervention and Piety
Gods (Artemis, Apollo, Athena) are active participants, directly influencing the plot and characters' fates. Artemis saves Iphigenia, Apollo sends Orestes on his mission, and Athena resolves the entire conflict. This highlights the pervasive role of the divine in Greek tragedy and raises questions about piety, divine justice, and the nature of religious practice.
Fate vs. Free Will
This theme explores the extent to which characters' lives are predetermined by divine decree or shaped by their own choices and ingenuity. Orestes is driven by an oracle, yet human cunning (Iphigenia's plan) is essential for success. The divine often sets the stage, but human action fills the drama, with a final divine intervention bringing resolution.
Identity and Belonging
Iphigenia struggles with her dual identity as a Greek princess and a Taurian priestess, longing for her homeland. The recognition scene is central to reclaiming her true identity and connection to her family. Orestes also seeks to reclaim his identity free from the curse of the Furies and return to his place in Argos.

Worth discussing

How does Euripides portray the conflict between Greek 'civilization' and Taurian 'barbarism'? Is one truly superior to the other?

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