Herald scene in Agamemnon

In classical plays the Herald was a character who used to precede the king. The Herald plays an important role in Agamemnon. Before the arrival of the victorious Greeks led by Agamemnon, the Herald enters the stage running and sinks down on his knees. In his prayers to the gods in Argos, he represents the general beliefs of the Greeks. He brings the news of Agamemnon's return to his kingdom. The Herald represents the views of the warriors who fought for Agamemnon while the chorus represents that of the countrymen who were left behind. Through their encounters we find two opposite views regarding Agamemnon. He is glorious victor, according to one view and also a
destroyer of innumerable Greeks' lives according to another. In the words of the Herald we find the hardships and miseries endured by the Greeks in the battlefield. The speech of the Herald is fraught
with irony as opposite to his view that Agamemnon is bringing light to the country, the victorious king is bringing more bloodshed in the house of Atreus.