Atreus

Introduction

Atreus is a legendary Greek hero who was the son of King Agamemnon and the prince of Mycenae. He is best known for being the father of the renowned hero, Achilles. In Greek mythology, Atreus was a brave and courageous warrior who was renowned for his strength and valour. He was also a wise and just ruler who was respected by his people.

Atreus was born with a strong sense of justice and a deep loyalty to his father and family. He was known for his wisdom and courage, and he was also an excellent archer and hunter. His special gift was the ability to see the truth in any situation.

Origins of the House of Atreus: Tantalus & Pelops

The origins of the House of Atreus can be traced back to the figure of Tantalus, the son of Zeus and Plouto. He was granted immortality and became a favourite of the gods. However, his hubris made him forget the gods, and he was sentenced to eternal punishment in Tartarus.

He had two children, Pelops and Niobe, who would become the founders of the House of Atreus. Pelops was a great charioteer and won the hand of Hippodamia, the daughter of King Oenomaus, in a chariot race. Pelops and Hippodamia had two sons, Atreus and Thyestes, who would become the progenitors of the House of Atreus. Atreus married Aerope and had two sons, Agamemnon and Menelaus. Agamemnon inherited the throne of Mycenae, while Menelaus married Helen, thus leading to the Trojan War. The tragic story of the House of Atreus would continue as Agamemnon returned from the war and was murdered by his wife, Clytemnestra. This event would start a cycle of revenge, violence and destruction.

Ancient Greek Phalanx Pottery- Trojan War

Atreus, Thyestes, & the Golden Lamb

When Atreus discovered that Thyestes had been having an affair with his wife, he tricked Thyestes into eating the flesh of his own sons in revenge. As punishment for his crime, Zeus cursed Atreus and Thyestes with a never-ending cycle of rivalry, envy and hatred. As part of the curse, Atreus stole the Golden Lamb from Thyestes and this event would lead to the downfall of both brothers.

The Golden Lamb was an incredibly powerful and valuable artefact and its theft would have a profound effect on the lives of both men. Eventually, Thyestes was able to reclaim the lamb and the cycle of hatred between the brothers was broken. The story of Atreus, Thyestes and the Golden Lamb is an important part of Greek mythology and it serves as a reminder of the consequences of envy, hatred and revenge.

Rivalry Between Atreus & Thyestes

The rivalry between Atreus and Thyestes is one of the oldest and most complex of all Greek myths. Atreus, the son of Pelops, and Thyestes, the son of Tantalus, were two brothers who were both vying for the throne of Mycenae. The rivalry between them had its roots in the jealousy of Thyestes for Atreus who had married Aerope, the beautiful daughter of King Catreus of Crete. In an attempt to win the throne, Thyestes seduced Aerope and as a result, Atreus was filled with rage and plotted revenge. This horrific act caused the gods to become enraged and curse the house of Atreus, ultimately leading to the downfall of the two brothers and their houses.

The Murder of Agamemnon & Vengeance of Orestes

The murder of Agamemnon is a story that originated from Greek mythology. It is a tragedy involving the death of Agamemnon, a king, who had recently returned from the Trojan War. Agamemnon's wife, Clytemnestra, and her lover, Aegisthus, planned and executed the murder. Agamemnon's son, Orestes, was away from home at the time and was unaware of the plot.

Upon his return, Orestes was informed of his father's death and was determined to avenge him. Orestes was determined to restore his family's honour by killing his mother and her lover. With the help of his sister, Electra, Orestes was able to successfully carry out his plan. As a result, he was cursed by the gods with madness and was subsequently acquitted by the court of Apollo.

The story of the murder of Agamemnon and the vengeance of Orestes is a timeless classic that continues to captivate audiences today. It is a story of loyalty, betrayal, and justice that speaks to the importance of the moral order of the world. The story serves as a reminder that no one can escape retribution for their wrongdoings.

The golden funeral mask of Agamemnon

Atreus in Literature and Outside of Myth

In literature, Atreus is often portrayed as a villain and a symbol of revenge and justice. He is a foil to his brother, Thyestes, who is often seen as the victim in the story. He is also often used as an example of the consequences of hubris and revenge.

Outside of mythology, Atreus is often used as a symbol of justice and retribution. He is seen as a symbol of standing up for what is right, even if it means going to extreme measures. He is also sometimes used in modern literature and film as a symbol of revenge and justice.

Conclusion

Atreus has a rich and complex cultural legacy, and his story is one that still resonates with people today. He is a reminder of the power of courage and justice, and a symbol of loyalty and wisdom. He is an example of what we can achieve when we have the strength to follow our true path and stand up for what is right.

FAQs

Q1. What is the curse of Atreus?

Ans. King Tantalus had made a grave mistake in attempting to test the omniscience of god by offering them a gruesome feast which was made from the flesh of his son. This was seen as an atrocity and the gods cursed the five generations of the House of Atreus with a vicious cycle of murder and revenge.

Q2. What was found in the Treasury of Atreus?

Ans. A buried body of a probable Mycenaean king along with his weapons and other essential items like food and drink was found in the Treasury of Atreus.

Q3. Was Atreus directly involved in Trojan War?

Ans. Atreus was not directly involved in the Trojan War, but he was killed by his half-brother Menelaus for a crime he had committed against him.