HERMIONE (daughter of Menelaus and Helen)

Hermione plotted to kill Andromache, the captive wife of her husband, and their child, a scheme she claimed was encouraged by other women.^11,12,10 She desired to kill her rival using fire and cruel wounds, a plot she claimed was encouraged by other women.^13,2,10 Her anger was fueled by the belief that a slave had made her womb barren and slept with her husband.¹⁴ Peleus prevented the murder by showing regard for the weaker side.¹⁰ She feared that Orestes, whom she was destined to marry in another account, would expel, kill, or enslave her for her actions.^12,10

Overcome by remorse for her villainous deeds, Hermione attempted to kill herself by hanging or stabbing her own heart.^12,15,16 She escaped her servants and rushed wildly out of the house, lamenting her misfortune and wishing to tear out her hair.^12,17,18 The Nurse stopped her suicide, instructing her to cover her bosom and fasten her robe.^17,18 In her distress, she begged to be sent to a distant land or her father’s house to avoid her husband’s return.^10,4,8 She admitted her crimes were obvious and could not be concealed, refusing to wait for her lord’s return to resolve the conflict.^19,13

In a separate episode, Hermione went to Clytemnestra’s tomb to pour libations as instructed by her mother.^20,21,22 Upon returning, she heard a cry from the palace and arrived while her mother was dying.^20,21,23 Orestes and Pylades seized her inside the house to ensure their own safety, pointing a sword at her throat.^21,23 She was urged to supplicate her mother to save Orestes and Electra, highlighting the tragic cycle of violence.²¹ She bore a son named Tisamenus with Orestes.^1,24