House of Atreus
Aegisthus
The Shadow King
Born for Revenge
Aegisthus was the child of Thyestes and his own daughter Pelopia, conceived according to an oracle's prophecy that only such a child could avenge the horrors of the Feast of Thyestes. His very existence was an act of desperation and violation.
Raised in secrecy, Aegisthus learned the truth of his birth and the crimes of Atreus. He killed Atreus and restored Thyestes briefly to power, but Agamemnon and Menelaus eventually reclaimed Mycenae.
The Usurper
While Agamemnon waged war at Troy for ten years, Aegisthus seduced Clytemnestra and installed himself as de facto ruler of Mycenae. Whether he manipulated the queen or found a willing partner in vengeance depends on the source.
Together they killed Agamemnon upon his return. Aegisthus ruled Mycenae for seven years afterward — until Orestes returned, grown to manhood, and killed both Aegisthus and Clytemnestra.
“He was born in darkness and lived for one purpose only: to repay blood with blood.”— Hyginus, Fabulae