Eumenides Tragedy by Aeschylus

The Eumenides is the title of the third tragedy of the Oresteia trilogy (followed by the satyr drama Proteus) with which Aeschylus won the dramatic contests of the Great Dionysia .

The tragedy takes its name from the Furies, goddesses avenging crimes against the family, who were also called Eumenides when they were in a positive attitude.

This third part of the Oresteia narrates the persecution of the Furies against Orestes following the murder of his mother Clytemnestra to avenge his father Agamemnon, which culminates in the celebration of a trial at the court of the Areopagus.

This judgment, which sees the Furies themselves as accusers, Apollo as defender and Athena as president of the jury, ends with the acquittal of Orestes, thanks to Athena’s favorable vote.

The plot

Orestes has taken refuge as a beggar in the temple of Apollo at Delphi after killing Aegisthus and his mother Clytemnestra. The “prophet”, priestess of the oracle of Delphi speaks first and refers to the history of the temple. The fortune teller withdraws and Orestes asks for the god’s protection.

Apollo advises him to leave while the Furies are still asleep, while asking Hermes to accompany Orestes on his journey to Athens. Apollo, Hermes and Orestes exit the temple of Apollo.

Apollo tells Orestes that he will never appear as a friend to his enemies. He supports Orestes in his intention to avenge his father. “Because I told you to kill your mother,” she tells him.

Inside the temple the Eumenides are still sleeping, while the ghostly shadow of Clytemnestra makes its appearance. Clytemnestra accuses the Furies of remaining uninvolved, and seeks revenge because she was punished for the murder of Agamemnon, while Orestes remains unpunished for the murder of his mother.

The Eumenides wake up and throw their burdens on Apollo, but he defends Orestes and upholds his right. But he cannot reassure them, and so they chase after Orestes to tear him apart.

Apollo throws them out of the temple to continue the fight in the street. The intense discussion revolves around the institutions and issues of Right, Wrong, Revenge as well as Marriage.
Orestes, meanwhile, arriving at the citadel, asks for refuge from the goddess Athena, who is currently not present, and asks her to judge him.

The Furies pursue him even here. Orestes, embracing the statue of the goddess, begs her to forgive him and absolve him of his guilt. Athena, although she is far away (in Troy to be exact) listens to Orestes’ appeal and presents herself. It makes both sides take a stand to develop their arguments. One of the Furies takes charge.

Afterwards, Orestes tells the story of his life and the act of matricide. Athena decides to hold a vote, because the case is too difficult and goes beyond human limits. The Furies are afraid that Orestes will be acquitted and threaten that in such a case they will cause calamities in the land of Athens and that they will also start an unstoppable cycle of killing parents by their children in revenge.

Athena, who had left for a while, returns and orders the preacher to preach to the assembly of the Athenians, so that they may be informed about the institution of the new court. Meanwhile, Apollo also arrived. Athena gives her last vote (in favor of Orestes) and thus Orestes is acquitted since he suffered a tie.

The Furies are freaking out and protesting wildly about it. Athena tries to appease Erinya who had taken the floor earlier by offering her food and sacrifices on behalf of the citizens to appease them so that they would not bring hatred to the state.

Historical and Mythological Context

The “Oresteia” trilogy, comprising “Agamemnon,” “The Libation Bearers,” and “Eumenides,” is deeply rooted in Greek mythology, chronicling the fall of the House of Atreus. “Eumenides” specifically focuses on the aftermath of Orestes’ act of matricide, committed to avenge his father, Agamemnon. This act sets off a relentless pursuit by the Furies, ancient deities of vengeance, symbolizing the cycle of blood revenge that has plagued Orestes’ family.

The historical context of “Eumenides” is significant, as it reflects contemporary Athenian values and political developments. The play was performed during a period when Athens was establishing itself as a powerful city-state with a sophisticated legal system. The transformation of the Furies into the Eumenides (Kindly Ones) and the establishment of the Areopagus court underscore the play’s relevance to contemporary Athenian society, emphasizing the transition from primal vengeance to civilized justice.

“Eumenides” follows the traditional structure of Greek tragedy, consisting of a prologue, parodos, episodes, stasima, and exodus. The play opens with Orestes seeking refuge at the temple of Apollo in Delphi, where the god purifies him and advises him to seek judgment in Athens. The action then moves to Athens, where Athena intervenes and establishes a court to adjudicate Orestes’ case.

The central theme of “Eumenides” is the evolution of justice. The play contrasts the archaic, personal vengeance embodied by the Furies with the rational, communal justice represented by Athena and the Athenian court. This theme is explored through the characters’ dialogue and the trial of Orestes, which serves as a pivotal moment in the play.

Another significant theme is the tension between old and new orders. The Furies represent the ancient, primal forces of retribution, while Athena symbolizes the new order of rationality and civic justice. The transformation of the Furies into the Eumenides signifies the integration of these ancient forces into the new societal framework, highlighting the necessity of balancing tradition and progress.
Character Dynamics and Symbolism

The characters in “Eumenides” are richly drawn, with each representing different aspects of justice and societal values. Orestes, as the protagonist, embodies the individual caught between conflicting obligations to family and society. His plight and eventual acquittal underscore the transition from personal retribution to communal justice.

The Furies are central to the play’s thematic and symbolic structure. As embodiments of vengeance, they are relentless in their pursuit of Orestes, representing the inescapable nature of blood guilt. Their transformation into the Eumenides, however, symbolizes the potential for reconciliation and the integration of primal forces into a more civilized order.

Athena, as the goddess of wisdom and warfare, plays a crucial role in mediating the conflict and establishing the new order. Her decision to create the Areopagus court and her persuasive arguments highlight the importance of reasoned deliberation and collective judgment in resolving conflicts.

The symbolism in “Eumenides” is profound, particularly in the imagery of purification and transformation. Apollo’s purification of Orestes and the final transformation of the Furies signify the cleansing of old sins and the establishment of a new societal equilibrium. The trial itself is a symbolic enactment of the shift from personal vendetta to institutionalized justice.

“Eumenides” holds a significant place in the canon of Greek tragedy for its innovative treatment of justice and its reflection of contemporary Athenian values. The play’s exploration of the evolution of justice from retribution to legal adjudication mirrors the development of the Athenian legal system and the establishment of democratic principles.

Aeschylus’s portrayal of the transformation of the Furies and the establishment of the Areopagus court offers valuable insights into the nature of justice and the role of societal institutions in maintaining order. These themes are particularly relevant in contemporary discussions about the balance between tradition and progress, the role of legal institutions, and the integration of diverse cultural values.

Moreover, “Eumenides” contributes to the development of Greek tragedy by emphasizing the importance of ethical and moral considerations in human affairs. Aeschylus’s skillful use of dialogue, character dynamics, and symbolism enhances the play’s emotional and intellectual impact, making it a powerful and enduring work of literature.