About this book
Euripides' Hippolytus stands as one of ancient drama's most devastating explorations of passion, pride, and divine vengeance. When the virtuous son of King Theseus refuses to honor the goddess Aphrodite in favor of chaste Artemis, he incurs the wrath of the scorned deity. Aphrodite's revenge is merciless: she strikes Hippolytus' stepmother Phaedra with an overwhelming, forbidden love for her stepson, setting in motion a cascade of tragedy that will consume everyone in its path.
This classical Greek tragedy masterfully examines themes of sexual desire, moral rigidity, and the destructive power of the gods. Written during the height of ancient Athens' cultural flourishing, Euripides crafted a play that challenges conventional morality while questioning the nature of virtue itself. The playwright's nuanced portrayal of Phaedra—torn between duty and unbridled passion—remains remarkably human and psychologically complex for a work over two thousand years old.
Hippolytus is essential listening for anyone fascinated by ancient literature, classical drama, or the philosophical depths of Greek tragedy. Whether you're exploring foundational works of Western theater or seeking timeless stories about the dangerous intersection of human desire and divine power, this haunting masterpiece delivers both intellectual rigor and profound emotional impact.
