
A tender yet heroic tale unfolds as a mortal king, Admetus, faces an untimely death, only to be granted a single reprieve if someone will willingly take his place. His devoted wife Alcestis steps forward, embracing the ultimate sacrifice without hesitation, and prepares for the final journey with quiet dignity, tending to her children and household one last time.
Meanwhile, the god Apollo, bound by a promise to the grieving king, stands guard over Alcestis, confronting Death itself in a tense exchange of wills. Their dialogue reveals the fragile balance between divine authority and human love, hinting at the possibility of a heroic rescue without revealing how the conflict will resolve. This ancient drama blends compassion, honor, and the timeless struggle between fate and free will, inviting listeners to experience the poignant emotions that echo through the ages.
Language
en
Duration
~4 hours (269K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by David Kline, Josephine Paolucci, Joshua Hutchinson and the PG Online Distributed Proofreading Team.
Release date
2005-02-09
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1829–1912
Best known for turning the ancient world into lively adventure stories, this English scholar wrote retellings of Greek, Roman, and biblical history that helped generations of young readers discover the classics. His books blend learning with brisk storytelling, making old tales feel immediate and human.
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