Trilogy of Oresteia by Aeschylous

The Oresteia, the only surviving trilogy of ancient drama and the last surviving work of Aeschylus, indeed embodies, in an archetypal way, the ideal of the universal artistic work.

It is not only her obvious aesthetic quality; it is not only the subtle thematic and figurative correspondences that connect and hold together her individual dramas; it is also the sensitivity with which the trilogy (and especially its last drama, the Eumenides  ) captures the politicians and historical shocks of her time, relaying them as artistic forms to the political community.

Although performed in 458 BC, when tragedy as a literary genre was still in its infancy, the Oresteia is a work of astonishing dramatic maturity.Its author has complete control over his means of expression and utilizes, with the confidence of an accomplished craftsman, the scenic and other possibilities of the new-found theatrical genre.

Perhaps more than any other work of Aeschylus, the Oresteia lives up to its creator’s reputation already in antiquity as the founder and leading exponent of tragedy.The Oresteia is not only a presumption of the maturity of its author. It is also a work of unique daring, which expands the boundaries of theatrical art. Instead of remaining a simple mimesis, i.e. a representation of actors and stage mirroring of lived reality, it is transformed into a means of recreating reality.

Using the myth of Atreides as a vehicle, the Oresteia, neither more nor less, attempts a drastic rewriting of history, during which it visits key landmarks of the human past and reintroduces them reconstructed into the historical present.
Chief among these milestones is the transition from the universe of matriarchy, monarchy, self-righteousness, and chthonic demons to the world of patriarchy, democracy, legal order, and the Olympian gods.

In this way, the Oresteia reconstitutes and redefines the relationship of the Athenian citizen not only with the political formation in which he lives, but also with his mythical and historical past itself.The Oresteia, a trilogy of Greek tragedies written by Aeschylus, is a monumental work that examines themes of justice, vengeance, and the evolution of societal order.

Composed of three plays—Agamemnon, The Libation Bearers, and The Eumenides—the trilogy narrates the cycle of bloodshed within the House of Atreus and the eventual establishment of legal justice in place of personal vendetta.

The trilogy begins with Agamemnon, where the eponymous king returns home from the Trojan War, only to be murdered by his wife Clytemnestra and her lover Aegisthus. The play opens with a somber tone, with a watchman awaiting the signal fire that indicates Troy’s fall. Aeschylus uses this prelude to set the stage for the unfolding tragedy, emphasizing themes of foreboding and the inescapability of fate.

Clytemnestra’s act of murder is portrayed as both personal vengeance and a form of justice for the sacrifice of her daughter Iphigenia by Agamemnon. This duality underscores the primitive form of justice prevailing at the time—one that is deeply intertwined with personal retribution. Aeschylus masterfully crafts Clytemnestra’s character to evoke both sympathy and revulsion, illustrating the complexities of human motives and morality.

The second play, The Libation Bearers, picks up the narrative years later, focusing on Agamemnon’s children, Orestes and Electra. Commanded by Apollo, Orestes returns from exile to avenge his father’s death by killing Clytemnestra and Aegisthus. This act of matricide propels the cycle of vengeance forward, highlighting the relentless grip of retributive justice.

In this play, Aeschylus delves deeper into the psychological torment experienced by Orestes, exploring themes of duty, guilt, and divine command. The play’s climax, where Orestes is haunted by the Furies for his matricide, raises questions about the morality of vengeance sanctioned by the gods, thus setting the stage for a critical examination of justice in the final play.

The Eumenides, the concluding play of the trilogy, marks a pivotal transition from personal revenge to institutionalized justice. Fleeing the Furies, Orestes seeks refuge at the temple of Apollo and later at the newly established court of Athena in Athens. The trial of Orestes before a jury of Athenian citizens symbolizes the shift from archaic retributive justice to a more structured legal system.

Aeschylus uses the trial to explore the themes of mercy, justice, and societal order. Athena’s role as the mediator and the eventual transformation of the Furies into the Eumenides (the Kindly Ones) symbolize the reconciliation of old and new values. This transformation underscores the importance of balance and harmony in societal governance, highlighting Aeschylus’s vision of a civilized society governed by law and reason rather than vengeance.

The trilogy’s central theme is the progression from primal vengeance to civilized justice. Each play serves as a crucial step in this evolution, with characters embodying the various facets of justice. Agamemnon’s murder by Clytemnestra represents the chaotic and personal nature of ancient retribution.

Orestes’ matricide, driven by divine command, illustrates the conflict between personal duty and moral law. The establishment of the Athenian court in The Eumenides signifies the advent of rational legal order. Another significant theme is the role of the divine in human affairs. The gods, particularly Apollo and Athena, play crucial roles in guiding the characters and shaping the narrative. However, Aeschylus also critiques the often arbitrary and morally ambiguous nature of divine justice, ultimately advocating for human reason and institutional justice.

The Oresteia reflects Aeschylus’s contemporary Athens, particularly the establishment of democracy and legal institutions. The trilogy can be seen as a commentary on the evolution of Athenian society from a state of tribal vengeance to one of democratic legalism. The introduction of the jury trial and the role of Athena in The Eumenides underscore the importance of civic participation and the rule of law in maintaining social order.