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Iphigenia

Iphigenia

1 9.9
A daughter of Agamemnon in Greek myth who was nearly sacrificed but saved by Artemis
  • proper noun
  • /ˌɪfɪˈdʒɪniə/
  • Literature
: Ifigenia
  • The second half of this chapter is a retelling of Iphigenia's story, but with a happier outcome for her.
  • Iphigenia is sacrificed

Examples

  • She wrote a brilliant essay on the tragedy of Iphigenia which she read out in class.

  • Diomedes claimed that my father had advised Agamemnon to sacrifice Iphigenia, his own daughter.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • The revenge of a mother for her sacrificed daughter, Iphigenia.

    Blog text (4)
  • In reality, the priestess is Iphigenia, the lost older sister of Orestes who never knew him.

  • In it, Artemis intervenes, and instead of Iphigenia being sacrificed, a deer is in her stead.

    Blog text (4)
  • In Aeschylus's narrative, which runs through the three plays, the returning Greek king, Agamemnon, is murdered by his wife, Clytemnestra, out of revenge for his sacrifice of their daughter, Iphigenia.

    Academic text (2006)
  • In the ancient play, Agamemnon struggled with the decision to sacrifice his daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the goddess Artemis.

  • The myth of Iphigenia highlights the tragic consequences of a father's duty versus his love for his child.

  • Many artists have depicted the moment when Iphigenia is rescued by the goddess Artemis, showcasing her role as a priestess.

Surface Forms

Iphigenia main

Etymology

Iphigenia comes from Greek parts iphi- 'strong' and -genia 'born', so the name means 'strong-born'. In the myth she is Agamemnon's daughter who was nearly sacrificed but saved by the goddess Artemis, and that 'strong-born' idea helps you remember her brave, dramatic story.