Alcestis, drama by Euripides, performed in 438 bce. Though tragic in form, the play ends happily. It was performed in place of the satyr play that usually ended the series of three tragedies that were produced for festival competition.
The story concerns the imminent death of King Admetus, who is advised that he will be allowed to live if he can find someone willing to die in his place. Alcestis, his wife, gives up her life before she recognizes that the fact and manner of her dying will blight his life. Admetus’s old friend Heracles appears just in time to rescue Alcestis from the clutches of Death and restore her to her relieved husband.