LAUSR

This paper reads Polyxena’s death in Hecuba via a different lens and uncovers hidden aspects of Euripides’ technique in configuring her death as a heroic act. It argues that her death is a reshaped version of kalos thanatos , with a binary, masculine and feminine, quality. In this framework a series of traditional, mainly epic and elegiac, motifs are employed (heroism, athletic victory, beauty, marriage) with multiple effects on Polyxena’s sacrifice. In conclusion, this article explores the implications of Polyxena’s death in the larger narrative of Hecuba .