Trachiniae

The play begins with Deianeira, Heracles' wife, lamenting his long absence and expressing anxiety over his safety.

Upon receiving news that Heracles is returning home after a military victory, Deianeira learns that he has fallen in love with Iole, the daughter of King Eurytus, and has brought her back as a captive.

Deianeira, in an attempt to win back Heracles' affection, uses a magic potion given by the centaur Nessus, which turns out to be a deadly poison.

Heracles returns home in agony, and Deianeira, realizing her mistake, kills herself.

Heracles, in his final moments, instructs his son Hyllus to marry Iole and to burn him alive on a funeral pyre to end his suffering.

The play concludes with the tragic fate of the characters and the reflection on the human condition and the power of love and fate.