Who was Thyestes in Greek mythology?
Thyestes was the King of Olympia and brother of Atreus. He was born to Pelops and Hippodamia in the city of Olympia.
Questions about Thyestes
Short answers, pulled from the story.
What happened during the Thyestean feast?
Atreus killed Thyestes' three sons named Aglaus, Orchomenus and Calaeus and served their bodies to him as a meal. Thyestes ate his own children without knowing what he consumed until the end.
When did Seneca write the tragedy called Thyestes?
Seneca the Younger wrote a tragedy called Thyestes in 62 AD during the Roman Empire. This work became one of the original texts for the revenge tragedy genre.
How did Helios react to Thyestes' actions against Atreus?
Helios reversed his course across the sky in anger at Thyestes' actions. The sun rose in the west and set in the east to restore Atreus' kingship.
Where did Thyestes die after being exiled from Mycenae?
Thyestes died on Kythira while his nephews took control of Mycenae. He was forced into exile there by Agamemnon and Menelaus who returned to overthrow him.