Alcestis, or Alceste. A daughter of Pelias, and the wife of Admetus. To save her husband's life, she died in his stead. By request of Apollo, the gods had granted eternal life to Admetus but on the condition, that when the appointed time came for the good king's death, some one should be found willing to die in his stead. This decree was reported to Alcestis, Admetus' beautiful young wife, who offered herself as substitute, and cheerfully gave her life for her husband. But immortality was too dearly bought at such a price; and Admetus mourned until Hercules, pitying his grief, descended into hades, and brought her back.
