---
title: The Cursed House of Atreus
author: Simeon Netchev
source: https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17134/the-cursed-house-of-atreus/
format: machine-readable-alternate
license: Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0)
updated: 2025-09-23
---

# The Cursed House of Atreus

_Authored by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/)_

## Image File

[![The Cursed House of Atreus](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/17134.png)](https://www.worldhistory.org/uploads/images/17134.png)

## Image Caption

An illustration of the entangled family line of the House of [Atreus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Atreus/) from [Greek mythology](https://www.worldhistory.org/Greek_Mythology/), which featured promptly amongst the ancient [Greek](https://www.worldhistory.org/disambiguation/greek/) Tragedies. The cursed House of Atreus is one of the most prominent examples of the concept of *miasma* (roughly translated as "pollution"), a contagious force with a life of its own - the belief that the crimes of one's ancestors are passed on through the bloodline. In the case of the [god](https://www.worldhistory.org/God/)-defying Atreides, who trace their origins back to the infamous [Tantalus](https://www.worldhistory.org/Tantalus/), king of Sipylos, the curse sprang unspeakable crimes and brought additional bad luck and cries for revenge across the generations - brothers killing brother, father murdering son, father sacrificing daughter, son against mother...

The twisted tale of murder, betrayal, mayhem, cannibalism, and, not only once, just silly arrogance is one of the most enduring of all Greek myths. Like so many others, the story of the House of Atreus differs a lot between different sources, and there is not an accepted authoritative version.

#### Editorial Review

This human-authored image has been reviewed by our editorial team before publication to ensure accuracy, reliability and adherence to academic standards in accordance with our [editorial policy](https://www.worldhistory.org/static/editorial-policy/).

## About the Author

Simeon is a freelance visual designer and history educator, passionate about the human stories that shape the past.
- [Linkedin Profile](https://www.linkedin.com/in/simeon-netchev/)

## Cite This Work

### APA
Netchev, S. (2023, March 01). The Cursed House of Atreus. *World History Encyclopedia*. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17134/the-cursed-house-of-atreus/>
### Chicago
Netchev, Simeon. "The Cursed House of Atreus." *World History Encyclopedia*, March 01, 2023. <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17134/the-cursed-house-of-atreus/>.
### MLA
Netchev, Simeon. "The Cursed House of Atreus." *World History Encyclopedia*, 01 Mar 2023, <https://www.worldhistory.org/image/17134/the-cursed-house-of-atreus/>.

## License & Copyright

Submitted by [Simeon Netchev](https://www.worldhistory.org/user/simeonnetchev/ "User Page: Simeon Netchev"), published on 01 March 2023. The copyright holder has published this content under the following license: [Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs](https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0deed.en). This licence only allows others to download this content and share it with others as long as the author is credited, but they can't change the content in any way or use it commercially. When republishing on the web a hyperlink back to the original content source URL must be included. Please note that content linked from this page may have different licensing terms.