Iphigenie in Tauris

work by Goethe

Also known as: “Iphigenia in Tauris”, “Iphigenie auf Tauris”

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June 29, 2026

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Goethe's Iphigenie in Tauris is a neoclassical drama that marks the beginning of Weimar Classicism. It is based on the Greek myth of Iphigeneia, who was saved from sacrifice by the goddess Artemis and now serves her temple in Tauris. In the play, Iphigenia rescues her brother Orestes from a death sentence imposed by the island's harsh customs. She appeals to King Thoas with honesty and trust, choosing to face death rather than lie, which moves him to release her and her countrymen. This act of "pure humanity" not only overcomes barbarism but also lifts a family curse. The drama, written in blank verse, emphasizes objectivity and an ethical message of Humanität (humanity) in contrast to barbarism.1234

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Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
First Weimar period (1776–86) of Johann Wolfgang von Goethe
…manner, Iphigenie auf Tauris (Iphigenia in Tauris), which shows the healing process he attributed to the influence of Frau von Stein in the context of an emotionally charged brother-and-sister relationship and as a profound moral and theological reeducation. Thereafter, however, he found it increasingly difficult to complete anything, and…
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…manner, Iphigenie auf Tauris (Iphigenia in Tauris), which shows the healing process he attributed to the influence of Frau von Stein in the context of an emotionally charged brother-and-sister relationship and as a profound moral and theological reeducation. Thereafter, however, he found it increasingly difficult to complete anything, and…
Read More

German literature
Weimar Classicism: Goethe and Schiller
…drama Iphigenie auf Tauris (1779–87; Iphigenie in Tauris), which reflects his reading of the great Greek dramas, specifically of Euripides’ Iphigeneia en Taurois. Goethe’s Iphigenie, in blank verse, marks the beginning of Weimar Classicism, with its projection of objectivity of form and a new ethical message of Humanität in opposition…
Read More
…drama Iphigenie auf Tauris (1779–87; Iphigenie in Tauris), which reflects his reading of the great Greek dramas, specifically of Euripides’ Iphigeneia en Taurois. Goethe’s Iphigenie, in blank verse, marks the beginning of Weimar Classicism, with its projection of objectivity of form and a new ethical message of Humanität in opposition…
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Charlotte von Stein
…female figures Iphigenie in his Iphigenie auf Tauris and Natalie in Wilhelm Meister. She remained for Goethe an unattainable feminine ideal and should not be confused with the warm and simple Lotte, heroine of The Sorrows of Young Werther, who was inspired by Goethe’s earlier attachment to Charlotte Buff.
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…female figures Iphigenie in his Iphigenie auf Tauris and Natalie in Wilhelm Meister. She remained for Goethe an unattainable feminine ideal and should not be confused with the warm and simple Lotte, heroine of The Sorrows of Young Werther, who was inspired by Goethe’s earlier attachment to Charlotte Buff.
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