PYLADES (mythical friend of Orestes)
Figure of myth · mythical friend of Orestes
- Parents
- Strophius, Cyndragora, Anaxibia, Astyoche
- Siblings
- Astydameia
- Consorts
- Electra
- Children
- Strophius, Medon
- Allies
- Orestes
- Haunts and cult places
- Phocis
- In the sources
- 75 ancient passages
He possessed an undaunted appearance, often compared to Hector or Ajax, and spoke with the accent of a Phocian tongue, imitating the speech of Parnassus.1,2
Pylades voluntarily chose to accompany Orestes during his period of wandering, secretly arriving in Mycenae and the land of the Taurians.3,4,5,6 During this grim task, he helped display the robe used to kill Agamemnon and was present when the murder scene was revealed to Electra.7,8 After the vengeance, Pylades was instructed to leave the Achaean land, having completed his tasks.9
The pair later fled the Symplegades in a ship, arriving in the land of the Taurians where they were captured by herdsmen at the edge of the Black Sea breakers.10,11 Brought to the local lord for purification, they were sent to Iphigenia for sacrifice, and Pylades was instructed to enter the temple to hide from the approaching ruler.4,12,13 Pylades swore an oath by Zeus to deliver a letter to Iphigenia's friends in Argos, requesting an exception if the ship sank and the letter was lost.14
Pylades considered Electra his wife despite the broken engagement, and he was told he would lose her to his sorrow if he died.15,16 According to Hellanicus, Pylades and Electra had sons named Medon and Strophius.17
Ultimately, he was destined to live a life of happiness and return to his native land, leaving the Achaean land after completing his tasks.18,19,9
The codex facts behind this entry
Pylades is the companion, friend, and fellow conspirator of Orestes, described as being as loyal and true to him as a brother. Euripides, Electra 880-906 +5 Pylades is identified as the son of Strophius from Phocis. Euripides, Iphigenia Among the Tauri 900-938 +2
In the myths
Pylades voluntarily chose to accompany Orestes during his period of wandering, secretly arriving in Mycenae and the land of the Taurians. Apollodorus, Epitome 6.25 +2 Pylades arrived in the land by fleeing the Symplegades in a ship alongside Orestes. Euripides, Iphigenia Among the Tauri 236-259 +1 Pylades assisted Orestes and Electra in killing Clytemnestra, acting immediately while she was alone. Euripides, Orestes 1-33 +1 Orestes instructs Pylades to marry Electra and take her to his home as his wife. Euripides, Electra 1238-1263 +1 Pylades accompanied Orestes to the Argive land to participate in the vengeance against Agamemnon's murderers. Euripides, Electra 82-111 +1 Pylades declares he will die with Orestes to avoid being seen as a coward and states that the brave endure their labors while the cowardly are worthless. Euripides, Iphigenia Among the Tauri 658-686 +1 Pylades and his companion were brought to the local lord for purification and sent to Iphigenia for sacrifice. Apollodorus, Epitome 6.27 +1 Pylades arrived in a chariot alongside his father Strophius, guiding the chariot and being instructed to learn faith in friendship from his father's example. Seneca, Agamemnon act 5 ΒΆ3 +1
Fate
Pylades is destined to live a life of happiness and eventually return to his native land. Euripides, Iphigenia Among the Tauri 644-657 +1
