Alcestis

Alcestis (ălsĕs`tĭs), in Greek mythology, daughter of Pelias. She was won in marriage by Admetus, who fulfilled her father's condition that her suitor come for her in a chariot pulled by a wild boar and a lion. So great was her devotion that when Admetus was granted life by the gods if someone would die in his place, she willingly gave her life. In some myths Hercules rescued her from the dead; in others Persephone was so touched that she reunited husband and wife. The legend was dramatized by Euripides in his play Alcestis, which became the basis for operas by Gluck, Handel, and others, and by Thornton Wilder in his play A Life in the Sun.

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Alcestis

In Greek legend, the beautiful daughter of Pelias, king of Ioclos. Admetus, son of the king of Pherae, sought her hand. To win her he was required to harness a lion and a boar to a chariot, and he succeeded with the aid of Apollo. When Apollo learned that Admetus had not long to live, he persuaded the Fates to prolong his life, on condition someone else die in his stead. As a loyal wife Alcestis consented to do so, but was rescued by Heracles, who wrestled with Death at her grave. Her story is told in Euripides' Alcestis.

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Alcestis

after dying in place of her husband, she is brought back from the dead by Heracles. [Gk. Drama: Alcestis]

See : Resurrection

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Alcestis

offered self up to die in the stead of Admetus. [Gk. Myth.: Leach, 11]

See : Self-Sacrifice