Alcestis

Also known as: ALC · Family: Thessaly · Role: wife of Admetus · First appears: Euripides, Alcestis — Scene 1

Alcestis, daughter of Pelias and wife of Admetus, volunteers to die in his place after his father and mother refuse the substitution. She alone is willing to sacrifice herself for him: “he found not, save his wife, one who was willing to die for him”. As Thanatos comes for her, she begins to die while Admetus and their children, including Eumelus, are left bereaved; before her death, she entrusts the children to Admetus.

Alcestis departs toward the underworld, protesting as Hades pulls her toward the realm of the dead. Her body is carried out for burial and the funeral pyre, while Admetus prepares to place it there. Her brother Acastus is expected to seek revenge for her death, and Admetus mourns the wife who died for him, wishing he could overcome Charon and bring her back.

After learning what happened, Heracles makes Thanatos retreat at her tomb and takes Alcestis from death, resolving to restore her to Admetus. He unveils her before her grieving husband, who accepts her back into the household despite his hesitation; Alcestis, who had died for Admetus, is later described as a blessed divinity.