Other Fiction Sophocles: Electra in 23 english translations V1, 19 Apr 2026

[Pilinstan]

In modern times, Sophocles' tragedy "Electra" has always been a little bit in the shadow of his tragedy "Antigone." This is quite striking, given that Electra is a significantly more captivating character than Antigone (who, despite the play bearing her name, is largely a secondary character.).

But the "Electra" was Sophocles' first tragic play that has been translated into English. And the second.
And also the third (well, together with the tragedy "Aias"; the "Oedipus" followed one year later).

This is a collection of 23 English translations of the "Electra" that are all over a hundred years old.
Translations from a later date (and there are many!) are certainly easy to find in libraries or in (digital) bookshops.

Those readers who like to compare these english translations with the Greek language, will find a Greek text of the tragedy (Lewis Campbell 1873) included.

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