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Atreus

Atreus

1 9.9
A king of Mycenae in Greek myth who is father of Agamemnon and Menelaus
  • proper noun
  • /əˈtriːəs/
  • Literature
: Atreo
  • The myth of the cursed house of Atreus illustrates two important truths that must be grasped before any society can achieve even the beginnings of justice.
  • house of Atreus
  • sons of Atreus

Thus the plan of Zeus came to fulfilment from the time when they first parted and strife, Atreus's son, king of men and brilliant Achilles.

Examples

  • His admission of guilt is a statement never before spoken by any of the House of Atreus, and in doing so, the house was finally cleansed of guilt.

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  • The tragedy of Atreus and his family is a significant theme in many ancient Greek plays.

  • Well, I did say last time that there are not many happy stories in Greek mythology, and a case in point is the House of Atreus.

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  • Agamemnon was the son of King Atreus, who was Pelops' son.

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  • If I didn't at first recognize the House of Atreus, I do know of Aeschylus's Oresteia, which is made up of three plays: the Agamemnon, the Libation Bearers, and the Eumenides.

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  • Agamemnon and Menelaus were the famous sons of Atreus, the legendary king of Mycenae.

  • In Greek mythology, the House of Atreus is known for its tragic story and the curse that plagued its members.

Surface Forms

Atreus main

Etymology

Atreus comes from ancient Greek myth and names the king of Mycenae who fathered Agamemnon and Menelaus. One old idea says the name may mean 'fearless', which helps you remember him as a strong but tragic ruler whose family carries a dark fate.