Ifigenia (novel)

Ifigenia is a novel by Greek author Yannis Ritsos, published in 1972. It is a modern reinterpretation of the ancient Greek myth of Iphigenia, focusing on her sacrifice and the consequences for her family and society.

The novel delves into themes of duty, sacrifice, political manipulation, and the psychological impact of war and societal expectations. Ritsos uses Iphigenia's story as a lens through which to examine contemporary Greek society and the pressures faced by individuals within authoritarian systems. The work is known for its poetic prose and its exploration of the inner lives of its characters.

The narrative examines the events leading up to Iphigenia's sacrifice, as well as the aftermath and its enduring effects on those involved. It explores the complex motivations of figures like Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, and questions the perceived heroism associated with the Trojan War.

While drawing from the original myth, Ritsos's Ifigenia offers a critical and modern perspective, reflecting on themes of power, oppression, and the individual's role within a larger, often unjust, social and political context. The novel is considered a significant work within Ritsos's oeuvre and modern Greek literature.