Chapter 25-Agamemnon and Iphigenia

When Agamemnon went out hunting to kill time, a large number of warships gathered in oris Port. One day, a sika deer dedicated to the goddess themis came into his range. The king was interested in hunting and shot the beautiful animal with an arrow. He also boasted that even themis, the goddess of hunting, could not shoot better than him. The goddess was very angry when she heard his rude words. She calmed the harbor, and the ships could not sail out of oris Bay at all, but it was time for the war to start. The Greeks were helpless, so they went to Kalkas, the son of the great prophet Titus, and asked him how to get out of trouble. Kalkas, an army priest and soothsayer, said, "If Agamemnon, the supreme commander of the Greeks, is willing to sacrifice his daughter Iphigenia, who was born to Clytaemestra, to themis, the goddess will forgive us. At that time, there will be a downwind on the sea, and the gods will never stop you from taking Troy again. "

Agamemnon listened to the prophet and fell into despair. He sent Tardi Pioz, an emissary of Sparta, to announce to all the Greeks who fought in the war that Agamemnon resigned as commander-in-chief of the Greek army because his conscience would not allow him to kill his daughter. When the Greeks heard this decision, they were very angry and threatened to rebel. Menelaus hurried to his residence and told his brother the serious consequences of this decision. After persuasion, Agamemnon finally agreed to do this terrible thing: sacrifice his daughter to the goddess. He wrote a letter to mckenney's wife, Clytaemestra, asking her to send her daughter Iphigenia to oris. To explain this, he lied to his wife that his daughter was engaged to Achilles, peleus's youngest son and glorious hero, because no one knew the secret marriage between Achilles and Daedamia. However, the messenger just started, and the relationship between father and daughter made Agamemnon's conscience feel guilty. He felt pain and regretted making a rash decision. So that night he called a reliable old servant and asked him to send another letter to his wife, telling her not to send her daughter to oris because he had changed his mind and wanted to postpone her engagement until next spring.

The loyal servant left in a hurry with the letter, but he failed to reach his destination, because Menelaus had long been aware of his brother's hesitation and closely watched his actions. Early in the morning, as soon as the old servant left the camp, he was caught by Menelaus and the letter was searched out. After reading the letter, he came to his brother with it.

"Shit, you're wavering again!" He yelled at his brother. "Do you remember how eager you are to be the commander-in-chief of the expeditionary force? How humble and friendly you are to shake hands with everyone. At that time, your door was open to everyone who wanted to come in, even the most ordinary people. These friendly expressions are only for getting orders. Now that the command is in hand, these things will suddenly become a thing of the past. You are no longer a friend of an old friend. You rarely show up in the army, and it's hard for everyone to see you again. When you came to oris port with your army, when the army was blocked by the gods, when our people began to complain,' We want to set sail and don't want to stay in oris port forever!' At this time, you are indecisive, just in vain hoping for a pleasant journey. You came to me, let me find a way, find a way, find a way out, just to not lose your proud position as commander-in-chief. Later, when the Prophet Kalkas asked you to give your daughter to Miss Alsi, you reluctantly agreed. But now you have changed your mind. There are thousands of people like you in Qian Qian. They are eager for status and tirelessly want power, but once they see that they need to make personal sacrifices to gain power, they shrink back. People who have no judgment and insight, who have lost these qualities in the face of difficulties, are not worthy of commanding the army and governing the country. "

"Why are you so excited?" Agamemnon said, "Who offended you? Why are you so angry? Is it for your beautiful wife Helen? Why don't you take good care of her? Am I stupid to rationally correct rash decisions? But you are more stupid, because you want an unfaithful wife back. In fact, you should be happy that you are lucky to get rid of her at last. Don't! I can never kill my own flesh and blood! "

The two brothers argued endlessly and refused to give in. Suddenly, a servant came in and reported to Agamemnon that his daughter Iphigenia had arrived, along with her mother and brother Orestes. As soon as the servant left, Agamemnon suddenly felt completely desperate. Menelaus quickly grabbed his former hand to express his comfort. Agamemnon said painfully, "Brother, victory belongs to you. Take her away! " "

But Menelaus changed his mind. He didn't want to kill Iphigenia for Helen. "If the Oracle lets me decide your daughter's fate," he said loudly, "then I am willing to give her up and replace Iphigenia with mine."

Agamemnon embraced his brother. "I thank you," he said "Dear brother, your noble spirit has reconciled us. My fate is fixed, and my daughter's tragic death is inevitable. All Greece demands this. Kalkas and the cunning Odysseus reached a tacit understanding. They are fighting for the people, even trying to kill you and me, and then sacrifice Iphigenia. If we escape to Argos, they will hunt us down and take us out of the city. Finally, they will cross the ancient Greek city. So I beg you, brother, never let Clytaemestra know about this, so as to ensure the smooth implementation of the Oracle. "

Just then, the women came in. Menelaus walked away in dismay. The couple exchanged a few commonplaces, and Agamemnon looked cold and embarrassed. The daughter embraced her father warmly. Seeing her father's sad face, she asked with concern, "why are your eyes so restless?" Father, are you not happy to see me? "

"No, dear boy," said the king with a heavy heart, "a king has a great responsibility and always has many troubles!"

"But you cried, Dad?" Evy Gnea said.

"Because we have to be apart for a long time!" The father replied.

"Oh, if only I could go with you," cried the daughter happily. "How wonderful it would be!"

"Yes, you are going on a long trip, too." Agamemnon said sternly, "First of all, we must make a sacrifice-dear daughter, you are indispensable to this sacrifice!" " When he spoke, he choked up and could hardly make a sound. But she didn't know, and finally he let his daughter live in a tent for her. The child left with a group of followers. In order to cope with his wife, Clytaemestra, Agamemnon also introduced the groom's life and fate to her like acting. After he sent his wife away, he immediately went to Kalkas to discuss the inevitable sacrifice with him.

However, an accident made Clytaemestra meet the young Prince Achilles. Because his soldiers didn't want to wait any longer, he came to Agamemnon. Clytaemestra greeted him like a future son-in-law, and Achilles shrank back in surprise. "Whose marriage event are you talking about, Queen?" He asked, "I have never pursued your daughter, and besides, your husband has never mentioned this to me!" " "

Clytaemestra knew that she had been cheated. She stood in front of Achilles, ashamed and suspicious. Achilles said with the innocence of the young man, "Please don't be sad, Queen, someone must make fun of me. Don't take it seriously Besides, please forgive me if I hurt you frankly. " Say that finish, he was about to leave, at this moment, Agamemnon faithful old servant just came. That morning, Menelaus snatched his letter. He took Clytaemestra aside and whispered to her, "Agamemnon wants to kill your daughter himself!" Now mother finally knows the specific content of the Oracle. In great pain, she turned and threw herself in front of Achilles, hugged his knees and cried to him, "Oh, son of the goddess, help me, help my child!" " I regard you as her fiance, I crown her and send her to join the army. Although I was cheated, I still took you as her groom! Before all the gods, before your goddess mother, I beg you to save my daughter. Give us your hand. If you are willing to save us, everything will be fine! "

Achilles respectfully held the queen kneeling in front of him and said to him, "Please rest assured, Queen! I grew up in a pious and loving family, and I learned a simple and flexible way of thinking from Kay Long Xing. When Atreus's sons led me to the glorious path, I was willing to obey their orders, but I didn't want to obey the evil orders. So, I am willing to protect you. I will do my best to save your daughter from her father's sword. Your daughter is already my wife, and I will feel guilty if she dies because of the trick of cheating here to marry me. If I can't save your child, let me die! "

Peleus' son made a solemn promise to Iphigenia's mother and left. Clytaemestra also went to her husband Agamemnon with resentment. The husband didn't know that she already knew the secret, so he said to her with a pun, "Call your child out, because flour, water and sacrifices are ready before the wedding reception." "Hum!" Clytaemestra shouted, his eyes shining with hatred. "Come out, daughter, and take your brother Orestes!" When her daughter Iphigenia came out of the inner room, she added, "Look, she is standing here, ready to obey your orders. Now, I just want you to answer me and tell me frankly and honestly, do you really want to kill our daughter? "

The king stood there silently for a long time. Finally, he cried out in despair, "Ah, Goddess of Destiny! If you reveal my secret, it's all over! " "Now you listen to me," Clytaemestra said. "Our marriage began with sin. You kidnapped me by violence and killed my ex-husband. I was married to Tantalus, the son of Theestes. At that time, you took my child from your arms and killed him in cold blood. My brothers casto and Polder Yukos are chasing you with troops. You sought protection from my elderly father Tindarius. He saw your pity, saved you and made you my husband. When I got married, I always kept my promise to be a loyal wife and make you happy at home and proud outside. I gave birth to three daughters and a son for you. Now you want to take my eldest daughter, don't you? Why? In order to get Menelaus back his unfaithful wife! Are you willing to kill your daughter? How do you pray at this time? When you kill your daughter, what do you expect from prayer? Pray for unfortunate return to your hometown, just like when you set out, right? Or should I pray for you? But I would never pray for a murderer. Why sacrifice your children? Why don't you say to all the Greeks: If you are willing to conquer Troy successfully, draw lots to decide whose daughter should be sacrificed. You fought for Menelaus so that he could save his daughter Hermione, but do you want me to sacrifice my daughter? Tell me, which one of my words is not true? If I'm telling the truth, don't kill my daughter. Think for yourself! "

Iphigenia knelt in front of her father when she heard these words, sobbing and saying, "Father, if I have orpheus's magic harp, if I can make a sound that touches the stone, then I can make a deafening speech and arouse your sympathy! But I don't have this ability, only tears are my only weapon. Everyone begging for mercy has an olive branch in his hand, so I have to replace the olive branch with my hand and hug your knee. Father, don't let me die so young! Are you really going to kill me? Oh, please don't do this. I beg you in front of my mother. My mother conceived and gave birth to me in October, and now the thought of my death is even more painful. What do Helen and Paris have to do with me? Paris came to Greece, why should I die? Oh, look into my eyes and have pity on me! "

Agamemnon has made up his mind, as cold as ice. He stood there and said, "As long as the law allows me to sympathize, I will sympathize because I love my children, otherwise I will be worse than an animal." I am doing terrible things with a heavy heart now, but I have to do it. You see, what a huge fleet I command, and how many princes stand beside me in armor. My child, if I don't sacrifice you according to the Oracle, Troy will not fall. Heroes all hope that Greek women will never be hijacked by Trojans again, and they have made up their minds. If I don't obey the Oracle, they will kill you and me. My strength ends here. There is nothing I can do. I didn't compromise with my brother Menelaus, but obeyed the demands of all Greeks. "

With that, the king left them. When they were crying, they suddenly heard the sound of weapons hitting. "That's Achilles!" Clytaemestra shouted happily. Peleus' son strode in, followed by a group of followers. "The whole army is out of control. They demanded the sacrifice of your daughter, "he said loudly to the queen. "I opposed them and was almost stoned to death by them."

"Where are the soldiers in my hometown?" Clytaemestra asked, holding her breath. "They took the lead in booing," Achilles continued. "They call me a lovesick braggart. I take these loyal partners to protect you from Odysseus and others, and I will protect you with my life. Moreover, I want to see if they dare to attack the son of a goddess closely related to Troy's fate. "

At this time, Iphigenia suddenly broke free from her mother's arms. She raised her head and faced the queen and Achilles bravely and firmly. "Listen to me!" She said quietly, "Dear Mom, don't make your husband angry." He can't go against everyone's wishes I admire the nobleness and courage of this stranger. But he will pay for it, and he will be insulted. I have made up my mind to accept death. I banished any timid thoughts from my heart and was willing to end this matter. The Greeks are staring at me. The departure of warships and the fall of Troy depend on me, and the honor of Greek women depends on me alone. My name will be immortal, and I will be called the savior of Greece. I am a mortal. Goddess themis asked me to give my life for my motherland, and I am willing to give my life. Sacrificing myself to conquer Troy is my monument and my wedding. "

Iphigenia's eyes are bright, just like the goddess standing in front of her mother and Achilles. At this time, the brave young Achilles suddenly knelt before her and said, "Agamemnon's daughter, if I can enjoy your love, I will be the happiest person in the world given by the gods." I envy you for betraying yourself to Greece. I admire Greece for bringing up a woman like you. I love you and long for you. Please think about it! Death is terrible! I am willing to create good conditions for you. I am willing to take you back to your hometown and let you live a happy life. "

Iphigenia smiled and replied, "Because of Helen, the beauty of women has caused enough wars and killings. My dear friend, you shouldn't die for me, nor should you kill others for me. No, let me save Greece, I am voluntary! "

"Noble heart," Achilles said loudly, "do what you want! But I will go to the altar with a weapon to stop you from dying. Maybe you can remember my words before you die. " With that, he hurried to the altar in front of the girl. The girl is open-minded. In order to save the motherland, she happily accepted the challenge of death. Mother fell to the ground in grief. She can't follow her daughter and watch her die.

All the Greek troops were concentrated in the sacred forest of the goddess themis. Lin Sheng lies outside Orissa. The altar was set up, and the priest and prophet Kalkas stood by. Iphigenia, accompanied by a group of maids, walked into the sacred forest and walked firmly to his father. The soldiers made a cry of sympathy. Agamemnon lowered his eyes, and the girl came up to him and said, "Dear father, I followed the Oracle and gave my life for the army and the motherland at the altar of the goddess. I am very happy, I hope you can all return to your hometown with luck and victory! "

There was another murmur of admiration in the army. At this time, Tardi's commander Pioz told everyone to pray quietly. Prophet Kalkas drew a sharp and discerning steel knife and put it in the golden box in front of the altar. At this moment, Achilles suddenly went to the altar armed to the teeth, waving his sword. The girl looked at him and suddenly he changed his mind. He threw his sword on the ground, poured holy water on the altar, and then walked around the altar like a priest with a gold box in his hand, praying: "Ah, noble goddess themis, please accept this voluntary and sacred sacrifice kindly! That was given to you by Agamemnon and all Greece. Let our ship be smooth sailing and let Troy fall under our spears. "

The soldiers listened in silence and bowed their heads. Kalkas held a steel knife and made a prayer. Everyone clearly heard the sound of his knife, but then there was a miracle! The girl suddenly disappeared in front of the whole army. It turned out that Simis pitied her and took her away. Instead, a beautiful roe deer was lying on the ground, struggling in a pool of blood in front of the altar.

"The leader of the Greek Coalition forces." Kalkas shouted, "Look, look at the sacrifice here. This is from the goddess themis. She would rather sacrifice sika deer than that girl. There is no need to sprinkle the altar with the girl's blood sacrifice. The goddess has forgiven us. She will let our ship sail smoothly and bless us to conquer Troy. Courage, comrades at sea, we are leaving oris Port today! " As he spoke, he watched the sacrificial deer slowly burn to ashes in the fire. When the last spark went out, the silence in front of the altar was immediately broken by the whistling wind. The soldiers looked up at the port. They saw the ship rocking at sea. Everyone cheered, left the sacred forest and went back to prepare.

Agamemnon returned to his residence. He didn't see his wife Clytaemestra. Long before he came back, his confidant servant came to tell her the good news that her daughter had been rescued. The queen raised her hands happily, but didn't say thank you to God. She cried out in pain, "My child has been robbed! He ruined my happiness. I don't want to see this murderer! I want to leave here. " The servant immediately called the carriage and entourage for her. When Agamemnon came back from the ceremony, his wife was already on her way back to McKinney.