The mythical cycle of Argos involves many well-known stories and characters, such as Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, and Orestes. One of the only surviving tragic trilogies centers on these characters and stories: the Oresteia by Aeschylus. Despite the popularity of all these mythical figures, one character named Electra has had one of the most significant impacts on studies of women in tragedy, and she appears in the works of all three major tragedians. This article will focus on her two most prominent tragedies, both titled Electra, by Sophocles and Euripides.   Who Is Electra?  Electra at the Tomb of Agamemnon by Frederic Leighton, 1869. Source: Ferens Art Gallery, Hull   Electra was a mythical figure who gained much of her popularity from her appearances in tragedy, although her myth did exist outside of it. She was the daughter of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, with the former being one of the major Greek leaders in the Trojan War and the latter being the sister of Helen of Troy and a princess of Sparta.   Electra had multiple siblings, but the most notable in myth and tragedy are Orestes, her brother, and Iphigenia, her sister. By the events of most of the myths Electra features in, Iphigenia was sacrificed by Agamemnon on the way to Troy to appease the goddess of the hunt, Artemis.   Electra is an interesting figure in tragedy for a few reasons. First, she appears in many more plays than most mythical figures (at least that we know of), including Libation Bearers by Aeschylus, Electra by Sophocles, and Electra by Euripides. Second, portrayals of Electra can greatly vary between tragedies, to the point where her relationships with other characters differ. Third, she has been the subject of frequent attention in classical reception, both across the past few centuries and in recent years.   An Overview of Electra’s Myth Clytemnestra Receiving the News of Iphigenia’s Impending Sacrifice by François-Pascal-Simon Gérard, 1787. Source: Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, Durham   Before diving into two of the major interpretations of her character, it may help to provide a general overview of her mythology. As mentioned previously, her stories vary between authors, but many of the significant details remain the same. Electra’s stories almost always center around the murder of her mother Clytemnestra.   As background information, Clytemnestra killed her husband and the king of Argos, Agamemnon, after his return from the Trojan War. Clytemnestra did this for two reasons: Agamemnon had sacrificed their daughter, Iphigenia, on the way to Troy to appease Artemis, and he enslaved Cassandra, a Trojan prophet cursed by Apollo, and brought her back home as his mistress. After killing her husband, Clytemnestra and her lover ruled Argos until the return of Orestes, Agamemnon and Clytemnestra’s son. Electra, who was neglected by her mother, worked with her brother to kill their mother in retaliation for their deceased father.   The extent of Electra’s cooperation varies based on the version, but she is always involved in some way. These differences in her mythology will be addressed in the next two sections in detail.   Electra in Sophocles  Storage jar of Electra and Orestes at Agamemnon’s tomb, artist unknown, 335-320 BCE. Source: MFA, Boston   Sophocles’ Electra follows a more traditional account of the myth. The tragedy opens with Orestes returning to Argos after spending much of his youth in Phocis with his cousin, Pylades. Orestes conspires with an old tutor to send a message of his death in the Pythian games, and this lie is believed by Clytemnestra, her lover Aegisthus, and Electra. Electra’s primary appearance in the tragedy occurs shortly after Orestes’ entrance. As Orestes remains out of her eyesight, Electra discusses her situation with the chorus.   She begins by mourning her father, Agamemnon, and the unjust death he faced at the hands of her mother and Aegisthus. Killing a family member is considered to be one of the worst sins in Greek tragedy, hence the particular anger at Clytemnestra going unpunished (even though Aegisthus delivered the killing blow).   As Electra mourns her father and discusses her hopeless situation, the chorus suggests that Orestes may soon return, which Electra hopes for. She wants Orestes’ help in deciding what to do about Aegisthus and their mother, but her sister, Chrysothemis, believes that they should not pray for their brother’s return. After all, Orestes was not welcome by Clytemnestra or Aegisthus.   The Return of Orestes (from Electra by Sophocles) by John Downman, 1782. Source: National Trust Collections, Hinton Ampner, Alresford   There is a series of long exchanges between Electra and her sister and then Electra and Clytemnestra, ending in the revelation that Orestes has died, increasing Electra’s grief. Believing her brother to be gone and without any hope of getting revenge for her father, Electra decides to try and kill Aegisthus herself, asking her sister for help.   As she and her sister talk, Orestes approaches and soon reveals himself to Electra. As soon as she realizes it is him, they unite in their plan to kill Aegisthus and Clytemnestra. Clytemnestra dies first, off-stage like in all tragedies, and Aegisthus soon follows. Although we do not see the action, we get dialogue of Electra encouraging her brother, with some of her words being quite cruel:   Clytaemnestra Within. Oh, I am wounded!   Electra Stab her doubly, if you can!   Clytaemnestra Within. Ah, wounded again!   Electra Would that Aegisthus, too, were wounded!   Sophocles’ depiction of Electra is defined first by her grief and then by her need for revenge. She doesn’t participate in the killing herself, but she urges her brother to stab their mother additional times. Electra also pushes for Orestes to kill Aegisthus quicker after he hesitates, showing no hesitation herself.   This version of Electra is emotional—the entire tragedy is centered around her feelings toward Aegisthus, her mother, her father, and her brother—but she uses these strong emotions to urge others to act for her.   Electra in Euripides  Orestes Pursued by the Furies by Adolphe-William Bouguereau, 1862. Source: The Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk   Euripides gained a reputation for writing unconventional characters and interpreting mythology in unique ways, both in the ancient world and in the modern reception of Greek tragedy. Sophocles’ depiction of Electra was certainly unusual in that it centered on a woman desiring revenge and even encouraging violence. However, Euripides takes this a step further. In his Electra, the princess is no longer a princess of Argos; instead, she was married off to a farmer outside of the city-state. After Agamemnon’s murder, Clytemnestra was worried that any royal child Electra would have may seek revenge, so she exiled her daughter and married her below her social status to solve her predicament.   The entirety of the tragedy takes place outside of Argos in the area around the small house of Electra and her husband, an unnamed farmer. The major points of the plot are the same as in Sophocles’ Electra, but there are many intriguing differences. Orestes and Pylades still journey from Phocis back to Mycenae, but Orestes goes to Electra’s house instead of Argos. He doesn’t fake his death, but he spends some time gauging his sister’s feelings toward their mother and Aegisthus before revealing his identity. Electra still wishes for revenge for her deceased father, but she makes no move to take action on her own until her brother returns. However, as soon as Orestes’ identity is revealed, the two begin to plan for the deaths of Aegisthus and Clytemnestra with the help of their father’s old tutor.   The Death of Aegisthus, print by Pellissier & Allen, Ph, 1900. Source: New York Public Library, New York   Interestingly enough, Electra plans for her mother’s death while Orestes plans for Aegisthus’ death. Euripides has the two deceive their mother, similar to Sophocles with Orestes’ fake death, but this time, Electra dictates the deception. She has the tutor tell her mother that she has recently given birth because Clytemnestra’s obligations as her mother would mean that she must come to her daughter’s side, despite Electra’s status. In the meantime, Orestes goes to where Aegisthus is performing a sacrifice for a feast outdoors and kills him. He returns to Electra with the body, and they lie in wait for their mother. Based on the chorus’ dialogue, it seems that Electra and Orestes killed their mother together after she arrived. They both enter the house, and Clytemnestra begs them not to kill her. After a few moments, they both exit, covered in blood:   Chorus Leader But here they come from the house, defiled in the newly shed blood of their mother, a triumphal rout, evidence of the pitiable sacrifice.   Remorse follows, killing their mother, even if Electra and Orestes believe it to be just. To punish them for their actions, Castor and Pollux, twin gods and brothers to Clytemnestra, appear. Electra has to marry Pylades while Orestes is exiled and sent on the run from the furies (which may be a reference to Aeschylus’ Eumenides).   The curtain closes after Electra and Orestes say farewell, unlikely to meet again.   Two Interpretations, One Myth  Hydria of Electra at Agamemnon’s tomb by the Manchester Painter, 350-320 BCE. Source: British Museum, London   Sophocles’ Electra and Euripides’ Electra are not the only tragedies or ancient works that center on the mythology of Electra, but they have garnered the most attention over the years, both for different reasons. Sophocles presents a story of a grief-ridden Electra who lost her father, her standing in Argos, and, in her mind, her brother. She is desperate for revenge, but she has no one to support her plans until the return of Orestes. Even then, her brother is the one who does the killing of both Aegisthus and Clytemnestra while she waits outside. Despite her more passive role, Electra encourages her brother with words, even getting angry whenever he hesitates and does not stab their mother enough times.   Electra Receiving the Ashes of her Brother, Orestes by Jean Baptiste Joseph Wicar, 1826-1827. Source: Worcester Art Museum, Worcester, MA   Euripides’ Electra is also grieving her father and former station, but more than that, she is angry. She is angry at her brother, who has never returned, and at her insulting marriage situation. Despite her strong emotions, she does not make plans on her own until Orestes arrives. Once he does, she willingly cooperates with him and the tutor to plan Aegisthus and Clytemnestra’s deaths. She even takes control of the planning for her mother’s death, and when Orestes returns to assist her, they both stab her. However, despite her more active role, Electra shows remorse following Clytemnestra’s death, almost immediately regretting her actions.   Orestes and Electra cast (original in National Museum, Rome), artist unknown, 1978 (date of cast creation). Source: Camden-Carroll Library Art Cast Collection, Morehead   The contrasts between Electra’s character in Sophocles and Euripides are fascinating. In one, she is more passive in the murders of Aegisthus and Clytemnestra yet less remorseful of the violence that befalls them. In the other, she holds the sword herself with her brother, but she is horrified at what she has done. Neither version of Electra is black-and-white, and both tragedians present a nuanced depiction of her. The attention Electra receives in these tragedies is unusual for a woman in Greek myth, with the only other exception possibly being Medea. She is allowed to be angry with a thirst for revenge, but she is also remorseful and grieving her previous life and father. By reading both tragedies in conversation with each other, we can gain a better understanding of ideas surrounding gender in the ancient world, and we can expand our knowledge of a significant mythical figure.

  By 1914 the submarine was not a new weapon, having first been used 150 years earlier. By the start of WW1 all the major powers possessed submarines, but their role was still undefined. Were they long range patrol craft for the battle fleets, or were they a strike force to be used against enemy warships? Or, as British Admiral Scott wrote just before the advent of WW1, could they be used as a weapon to destroy a nations shipborne commerce?    Were the Unterseeboots Ready for War? U-boats in Kiel Source: Imperial War Museum   U-boats were the submarine arm of the German navy and a month into WW1 they struck at the Royal Navy when U-21 sank the cruiser HMS Pathfinder. This was the first successful use of a self-propelled torpedo. Three weeks later U-9 sank three British cruisers in less than one hour. The German high command realised that they had a major new weapon for waging maritime warfare. On 20th October 1914 the first merchantman was sunk by U-17 observing Prize Rules, which required warning and humane treatment of the crew.   Within three months the whole nature of naval warfare had changed. The mighty Royal Navy was reluctant to expose its capital ships to this new menace while the German fleet generally stayed in anchorage at Wilhelmshaven. The focus turned to economic warfare, with Britain and France blockading Germany and the U-boats attempting to deprive Britain of vital imports.    How Large Was the First U-boat Fleet? SS Parkgate under attack from U-35, 4 April 1917. Source: US National Archives / Science photo library   At the start of the war the Kriegsmarine had 29 operational submarines, although some of these were small, petrol engine ships, and 25 under construction. However, in the right hands they were still deadly weapons as demonstrated by U-9, above. Later ships, like U-21, were diesel powered with longer range and more torpedoes. There were also large numbers of coastal submarines, prefixed UB and minelaying submarines, prefixed UC. To help break the economic blockade eleven U-Cruisers were built, with long range and cargo carrying capacity. By the end of the war 375 submarines were commissioned and 178 were lost with most of the rest surrendering in British ports after the Armistice.    How Close Were the U-boats to Success?  A transatlantic convoy approaching Brest on 1 November 1918. Source: Wikipedia   This was a new type of warfare, targeting civilians at sea and at home. Unrestricted submarine warfare against neutrals was first applied, abandoned in September 1915, due to fear of angering the USA, and finally resumed in February 1917. Warfare targeting an economy was not new but the application of it by submarines was, especially after the area around Britain and Ireland was declared a War Zone. By the end of 1917 U-boats had sunk 30% of the worlds merchant shipping.   Some of the 168 U-boats that surrendered at Harwich on 24 November 1918. Source: harwichanddovercourt.com The convoy system was introduced in September 1917 and this led to a reduction in sinkings. This and the increasing involvement of the USA in the war led to a continuing decline in losses. Despite many individual successes the campaign had failed.    U-boats Under the Swastika Main characteristics of WW1 and WW2 U-boats. Source: Mavinck   Germany was forbidden to possess submarines after the Versailles treaty in 1919. In the early 1920’s some submarines were secretly built overseas and after the Anglo-German Naval Treaty in 1935 U-boats were openly developed. The workhorse of the submarine fleet was the Type VIIC and over 700 were built. The later ships (Types IX and XXI) possessed a greater range, allowing the ships to spend longer in action. They could also submerge to a greater depth, giving them a better chance of avoiding detection and destruction.   As Allied air power increased U-boats were often fitted with anti-aircraft guns, either one 3.7cm or quadruple 2cm. Other additions included a schnorkel, enabling the submarine to ‘breath’ and stay submerged, although only at periscope depth. Antenna that could detect the use of radar on enemy aircraft, thus giving the submarine time to submerge, were also fitted after mid-1942.    What Was the Elite Arm of the Kriegsmarine? Admiral Dönitz. Source: Landmark Scout   Under Admiral Dönitz the U-boats were developed as an elite fighting force. He was a submarine commander in WW1 and realised how close this weapon had come to defeating Britain. He thought that with the right tactics and sufficient U-boats they could sink enough ships to force Britain to sue for peace. At the start of the war Germany possessed only 57 U-boats, far below the 300 that Dönitz deemed necessary to sink a million tons a month which he believed would defeat Britain. New tactics included U-boats grouped in ‘Wolf Packs’, directed by Luftwaffe long-range reconnaissance aircraft. The U-boats waged war relentlessly, sinking Allied ships on the first and last days of the European war.    How Close to Success Were the U-boats? U-625 under depth-charge and machine gun attack, 10 March 1944. Source: Wikimedia   The short answer is that it ended in a similar way as in WW1. Once again, the U-boat arm sank vast numbers of merchant shipping, 14.7 million tons in this war, compared to 11.1 million in WW1. It was not until mid-1943 that it was apparent that the Allies were winning, with the inexorable application of US military and industrial might. As in WW1 the U-boats had fought both ruthlessly and heroically in a losing cause. 

Nick Cave nominates the "amazing work of art" that he'd like played to soundtrack his passing into the afterlife

When the Celtics faced off against Young Boys in the Champions League play-off, tensions were high. It was clear that both teams gave it their all. But in the end, it was Celtic who came out on top, 1-0. This secured their spot in the last 16 play-off round. Needless to say, Celtic fans were absolutely elated! This includes Kevin McLaughlin and his son, Joshua. These long-time soccer fans are no strangers to watching these games in person. But nothing this magical has ever happened to them before! Once the game was over, Joshua asked if they could get closer to the opposing team’s side of the stadium. When they got there, it was clear the Young Boys fans were still in good spirits, despite the loss. But their attitudes only got better when Joshua led an impromptu cheer with them! Thanks to the entire BSC Young Boys support at Celtic Park tonight who gave my wee fella Joshua his very own, unforgettable and special moment Safe journey home to you all and what a great support @BSC_YB pic.twitter.com/8IuMZlrXem— Kevin McLaughlin (@K7_CMU) January 22, 2025 Soccer Fans From Opposing Teams Participate in the Most Wholesome Display of Sportsmanship In the video above, Joshua is shown interacting with the large group at a distance. According to his Dad, the young boy started simply by clapping. But once the nearby soccer fans took notice, they began to join in on the fun. Before they knew it, Joshua was leading the group in a joyous cheer! “Thanks to the entire BSC Young Boys support at Celtic Park tonight who gave my wee fella Joshua his very own, unforgettable and special moment,” Kevin writes in a post on social media. “Safe journey home to you all and what a great support.” But the kindness from the Young Boys’ fans didn’t end with the cheering. After the video ended, Joshua was given his very own YB scarf. How cool is that!? You can find the source of this story’s featured image here! The post Rival Soccer Fans Create “Unforgettable And Special Moment” For Little Boy appeared first on InspireMore.

As questions swirl about how a regional jet colluded with a military helicopter right by Ronald Reagan National Airport in the Washington, D.C. area, President Donald Trump noted that Wednesday evening was a “CLEAR NIGHT.” “The airplane was on a perfect and routine line of approach to the airport,” the president posted on Truth Social. “The helicopter was going straight at the airplane for an extended period of time. It is a CLEAR NIGHT, the lights on the plane were blazing, why didn’t the helicopter go up or down, or turn. Why didn’t the control tower tell the helicopter what to do instead of asking if they saw the plane.” “This is a bad situation that looks like it should have been prevented. NOT GOOD!!!” he added. The collusion occurred around 9 p.m. Eastern Wednesday, involving a regional jet operating as an American Airlines flight from Wichita, Kansas and an Army UH-60 helicopter on a training flight that came from Davison Army Airfield, Fort Belvoir, which is located in northern Virginia. POV from Hains Point, located directly across from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, shortly after an American Airlines "collided in midair with a Sikorsky H-60 helicopter while on approach to Runway 33 at Reagan Washington National Airport around 9 p.m. ET" per @FAANews pic.twitter.com/hvrrDO0Gtk— The Daily Signal (@DailySignal) January 30, 2025 Rescue operations at the Potomac River began shortly after the collusion. There were sixty-four people on the flight from Wichita, according to American Airlines. Three were onboard the military helicopter, reported The Wall Street Journal. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said an “Investigation [was] launched immediately” by the Army and Department of Defense. “Absolutely tragic. Search and rescue efforts still ongoing. Prayers for all impacted souls, and their families,” he wrote in a post to X. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, who was just sworn in Wednesday, said in remarks at Ronald Reagan National Airport that he had spoken with Trump and Hegseth. “I have directed @USDOT [Transportation Department] and @FAANews [Federal Aviation Administration] to provide full support to the @NTSB [National Transportation Safety Board] and all responding agencies and authorities,” Duffy posted on X. Sens. Roger Marshall and Jerry Moran, both Republicans representing Kansas, announced they had spoken with officials at Reagan airport. “We will continue to work through the night to get answers alongside federal, state and local officials,” Marshall posted on X. “Pray for Kansas. Pray for the passengers, pilots, the first responders, rescue crews, and their families.” We will continue to work through the night to get answers alongside federal, state and local officials. Pray for Kansas. Pray for the passengers, pilots, the first responders, rescue crews, and their families. pic.twitter.com/uQDiPMhzVg— Dr. Roger Marshall (@RogerMarshallMD) January 30, 2025 Washington, D.C. CBS affiliate WUSA9 reported that several figure skaters were on the flight. “U.S. Figure Skating can confirm that several members of our skating community were sadly aboard American Airlines Flight 5342, which collided with a helicopter yesterday evening in Washington, D.C.” the organization said in a statement. “These athletes, coaches and family members were returning home from National Development Camp held in conjunction with the U.S. Figure Skating Championships in Wichita, Kansas.” The post ‘Should Have Been Prevented’: Trump Addresses Plane-Helicopter Collusion, Crash appeared first on The Daily Signal.