The Trachiniae

The Trachiniae (also known as The Women of Trachis) is a Greek tragedy by Sophocles that tells the story of Deianeira, the wife of the mighty hero Heracles. Desperate to win back her husband's love after learning of his infidelity, she uses what she believes is a love charm—unknowingly a poisoned garment—which leads to Heracles's agonizing death. The play explores complex themes of love, loyalty, fate, and unintended consequences. Through Deianeira's tragic mistake, Sophocles crafts a poignant meditation on human fallibility and the inescapable power of destiny.