Philoctetes

Sophocles (c.496–c.406 BC), translated by Theodoridis, G., (contributor-contact-email)

Sophocles’ Philoctetes, written during the Peloponnesian War and performed in 409 BC, is a tragedy set during the period of the Trojan War. It follows the character Philoctetes, a skilled archer, who possesses the bow of Heracles. Philoctetes is marooned on the island of Lemnos by the Greeks due to an agonising snake bite on his foot.

The play’s narrative unfolds with Odysseus and Neoptolemus, Achilles’ son, arriving at Lemnos to retrieve Philoctetes and his bow, deemed essential for Greek victory in Troy. Neoptolemus, an honourable young man, is initially reluctant but agrees to deceive Philoctetes to gain his trust, and the bow. As Neoptolemus wrestles with his conscience, he eventually opts not to take the bow from Philoctetes. Despite ensuing arguments and Odysseus’ intervention, Neoptolemus resolves to take Philoctetes back to Greece. The play concludes with the deified Heracles appearing, convincing Philoctetes to go to Troy, promising his cure and glory. Philoctetes later achieves renown in Troy for his actions, including the vanquishing of Paris.

Author Details

Sophocles, born around 497/496 BC in the deme of Hippeios Colonus in Attica, was a pivotal figure in ancient Greek tragedy. Born into a wealthy family, he received a broad education and achieved early artistic success, his work notably outperforming that of the distinguished Aeschylus at the Dionysia in 468 BC. His career spanned more than six decades, during which he wrote over 120 plays, though only seven complete works survive today, namely, “Ajax,” “Antigone,” “Women of Trachis,” “Oedipus Rex,” “Electra,” “Philoctetes,” and “Oedipus at Colonus.”

Sophocles’ theatrical innovations were significant. He introduced a third actor to the stage, a move that diminished the role of the chorus and enhanced character development. As a result, his characters displayed previously uncharted depths and complexity.

His civic roles in Athens were diverse, ranging from leading the paean after the Battle of Salamis in 480 BC to serving under Pericles’ political leadership as one of the Hellenotamiai, the treasurers of Athena. He also served as a general during the Samian War and participated in the introduction of the Asclepius cult to Athens.

He died in the winter of 406/405 BC, having witnessed the heights of Athenian power during the Persian Wars and its decline in the Peloponnesian War. His legacy includes both his literary excellence and the influence he had on the development of drama.

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Theodoridis, G.,

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