To Mētros Onoma

This chapter examines Heroides 9 in relation to its key source, Sophocles's Trachiniae, and focuses on Deianira's elegization and degradation of Hercules as a male hero, particularly through her account of his cross-dressing. Deianira's portrayal diminishes Hercules's heroic status to justify the murder of her husband to her son, Hyllus, who is one of the letter's addressees. Hercules's performance of female tasks is analyzed using Judith Butler's theory of gender as a performative act, while the visual and theatrical aspects of Deianira's narrative are explored through Laura Mulvey's and Mary Ann Doane's theories on the scopophilic gaze. The chapter highlights Deianira's cunning manipulation of her motherhood, which shapes her identity as “Deianira,” meaning “slaughterer of men.” It underscores the complexities of gender, performance, and maternal identity.