agamemnon
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Proper noun 1. A figure in Greek mythology: Agamemnon was the king of Mycenae and the leader of the Greek (Achaean) forces during the Trojan War. He is a central character in Homer's Iliad and other classical works.
Examples of Usage
- In Homer's epic poem, Agamemnon quarrels with Achilles over a captive woman.
- The story of Agamemnon's return from Troy and his subsequent murder is a major theme in Greek tragedy.
- Many ancient plays, such as Aeschylus's , feature Agamemnon as a key character.
Advanced Usage
- "Agamemnon" as an archetype: The name is often used to represent a powerful but flawed military or political leader, particularly one whose pride or poor decisions lead to conflict and tragedy.
- The general's Agamemnon-like arrogance cost him the loyalty of his best officers.
Variants and Related Words
- Atreides: A patronymic meaning "son of Atreus," often used to refer to Agamemnon and his brother, Menelaus.
- Oresteia: The trilogy of plays by Aeschylus that tells the story of the curse on the house of Atreus, beginning with Agamemnon's return and murder.
Synonyms
- Commander-in-chief (in the specific context of the Trojan War)
- Monarch, King (general terms for his royal status)
Related Idioms and Phrases
- "An Agamemnon's choice": Refers to a tragic or impossible decision, alluding to his sacrifice of his daughter Iphigenia to gain favorable winds for the voyage to Troy.
- Faced with closing the factory or laying off half the staff, the CEO felt it was an Agamemnon's choice.
Noun
- (Greek mythology) the king who lead the Greeks against Troy in the Trojan War