Mortal · Character in Homer’s Odyssey

Clytemnestra

Agamemnon's treacherous queen

Won over, then merciless; will not even close her husband's eyes.

Won over by Aegisthus during the long war, she shared in her husband's murder at his homecoming feast and would not even close his eyes. The poem sets her against Penelope every time it gets the chance.

Bonds

• Clytemnestra slays Agamemnon — conspires in her husband's death
• Agamemnon husband of Clytemnestra — murdered on his homecoming
• Aegisthus loves Clytemnestra — won her while the king fought

Appears in

• Book III Interview of Telemachus with Nestor
• Book XI Visit of Odysseus to the Land of the Dead

Scenes

1. The Full Tale of Murder — Book III. Nestor tells of Aegisthus, Menelaus’s voyage
2. Agamemnon’s Fate — Book XI. Aegisthus slays Agamemnon; wife conspires
3. Warning About Wives — Book XI. Agamemnon warns of wives, praises Penelope

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