phèdre

Phèdre, or Phaedra, is a figure in Greek mythology. She is the daughter of King Minos of Crete and Pasiphaë, and by marriage to Theseus becomes queen of Athens. She is best known for an illicit attraction to her stepson Hippolytus, a forbidden passion that drives much of the tragedy surrounding her. After Theseus departs, she confesses her feelings to a confidant, and Hippolytus—who rejects her. Phèdre's accusation against Hippolytus and Theseus's curse unleash a cascade of catastrophe, culminating in Hippolytus's death and Phèdre's ruin. The tale has been told by several ancient writers, notably Euripides and Seneca, in variations that explore guilt, shame, and the fragility of reputation.

Jean Racine's Phèdre (1677) is a French tragedy that adapts the Euripidean material. Composed in alexandrine verse, it emphasizes psychological motive and restraint, aligning with French classicism. The play centers on Phèdre's dangerous desire for Hippolytus, the suspicion of Theseus, and the moral and political pressures in the royal household. The action culminates in tragedy as truth comes to light and several characters die, including Phèdre herself.

In literature, Phèdre remains an enduring symbol of forbidden love, guilt, and the consequences of passion constrained by social norms. The character has inspired numerous adaptations, retellings, and critical studies across centuries.