Alcestis

Alcestis was a princess in Greek mythology, renowned for the love she had for her husband. She was the daughter of the king of Iolcus, Pelias, and Anaxibia. Alcestis was fair and beautiful, and many asked to marry her. Her father issued a competition, saying that the person who would be able to yoke a lion and a bore to a chariot would be allowed to marry Alcestis. In the end, it was King Admetus who managed to do this, helped by the god Apollo, who was forced to serve him as punishment for killing Delphyne. Admetus married Alcestis, but forgetting to sacrifice to Artemis, the goddess sent snakes on his bed.

Apollo managed to trick the Fates and made them promise that if anyone was willing to take Admetus’ place in the underworld, Admetus would be allowed to live. Admetus’ parents refusing to exchange places with him, it was Alcestis who asked to die in place of her husband. Later, Heracles, grateful for Admetus’ hospitality, went to the underworld and managed to bring Alcestis back from the dead.

See Also: Admetus, Apollo, Heracles, Artemis