Heracleidae by Euripides — Read

First performed in c. 430 BC, this play follows the children of Heracles (the Heracleidae) as they seek protection from Eurystheus, who was responsible for many of the troubles that plagued Heracles. It is the first of two surviving tragedies by Euripides where the children of Heracles are suppliants, being followed by the later drama Heracles.

The play begins at the altar of Zeus at Marathon, where the herald Copreus, under the instructions of King Eurystheus of Mycenae, attempts to seize the children of Heracles, together with the hero's old friend, Iolaus. When King Demophon, son of Theseus, insists that Iolaus and Heracles' children are held under his protection, Copreus threatens to return with an army. Demophon is prepared to protect the children even at the cost of fighting a war against Eurystheus, but after consulting the oracles, he learns that the Athenians will be victorious only if they sacrifice a maiden of noble birth to Persephone. Demophon tells Iolaus that as much as he would like to help, he will not sacrifice his own child or force any of the Athenians to do so. Iolaus, realising that he and the children will have to leave Athens and seek refuge elsewhere, despairs.