Aeschylus the Suppliants (463 BC)

Aeschylus’s play “The Suppliants,” first performed in 463 BC, is a significant work in the canon of Greek tragedy for its exploration of themes such as asylum, divine justice, and the conflict between personal desire and societal duty.

As the first part of a trilogy that included “The Egyptians” and “The Danaids,” both of which are now lost, “The Suppliants” tells the story of the fifty daughters of Danaus, the Danaids, who flee to Argos to escape forced marriages to their cousins, the sons of Aegyptus.

The Plot

The fifty daughters of Danaus, accompanied by their father, flee to Argos as beggars to avoid their incestuous marriage with their cousins, sons of Egypt. They choose the city of Argos because of their origin from Argeia Io who, chased by Zeus, ended up in Egypt, where she gave birth to Epaphus, ancestor of the Danaids. After Danaus advises his daughters to show prudence and invoke the gods, they welcome the king of Argos, Pelasgus, who, puzzled by the exotic appearance of the youths, demands an explanation.

When they explain their situation to him, the king of the “Land of Appia” enters into a dilemma: If he expels them, he risks the punishment of Zeus who protects the beggars, but if he accepts them, he risks a possible raid by the barbarians. His first concern is his responsibility to the city, and while he appears to fear the threat of the Egyptians, the Danaids intervene dramatically by threatening suicide if he expels them, so that they destroy the city of Argos.

Finally he is persuaded to accept them and advises Danaus to fill the temples with olive branches, so as to secure the consent of the Argives. And so it happens, so the citizens agree to offer asylum to the Danaids and they express their gratitude.

However, their father warns them that the Egyptians will pursue them. The fear of the young men is pervasive and they declare that they prefer death to marriage with the sons of Egypt. When they finally arrive and threaten them, the Danaids now enjoy the protection of Pelasgus and the Argives.

Thus, the Egyptians are forced to retreat and the daughters of Danaus settle in Thebes, thanking and praising the city that accepted them. The drama concludes with a chorus to Zeus, begging the king of the gods to protect against an unwanted marriage.

Historical and Mythological Context

“The Suppliants” is deeply rooted in Greek mythology, drawing on the story of the Danaids, a foundational myth of Argos. The play begins with the Danaids arriving in Argos, seeking protection from King Pelasgus to avoid being married to their Egyptian cousins against their will. This mythological background provides a rich tapestry for Aeschylus to explore issues of justice, protection of the vulnerable, and the role of the gods in human affairs.

The historical context of the play’s production is also notable. Performed during the early classical period of Athens, a time of burgeoning democracy and imperial ambition, the themes of “The Suppliants” would have resonated strongly with contemporary audiences. The play’s focus on asylum and the ethical responsibilities of the state likely reflected contemporary debates about Athens’s role in offering refuge and its obligations to protect the vulnerable.

“The Suppliants” adheres to the traditional structure of Greek tragedy, featuring a prologue, parodos, episodes, stasima, and exodus. The play opens with a prologue in which Danaus, the father of the Danaids, explains their plight and their decision to seek asylum in Argos. The arrival of the Danaids and their plea for protection sets the stage for the central conflict of the play.

One of the central themes of “The Suppliants” is the concept of asylum and the moral and legal obligations it entails. The Danaids’ appeal to King Pelasgus and the Argive people is grounded in the sacred tradition of supplication, where those in desperate need seek refuge at a sanctuary or under the protection of a powerful individual. This theme is explored through the characters’ dialogue and the chorus’s reflections, highlighting the tension between human laws and divine mandates.

Another significant theme is the tension between personal desire and societal duty. King Pelasgus faces a difficult decision: he must balance the Danaids’ plea for protection with the potential consequences of angering their pursuers, the sons of Aegyptus. This conflict underscores the broader theme of leadership and the responsibilities of rulers to their people and to the broader moral order.

The play also delves into themes of purity and defilement, as the Danaids emphasize their desire to remain chaste and their abhorrence of the forced marriages. This emphasis on their purity and the sanctity of their supplication adds a layer of religious and ethical significance to their plea.

The characters in “The Suppliants” are richly drawn, with the Danaids serving as both a collective chorus and individual characters with distinct voices. Their collective supplication and expressions of fear and hope create a powerful emotional resonance, drawing the audience into their plight.

King Pelasgus is portrayed as a wise and cautious ruler, deeply aware of the potential consequences of his decision. His deliberations and eventual decision to protect the Danaids reflect the complexities of leadership and the ethical dilemmas faced by those in power. His interactions with the Danaids and their father, Danaus, reveal his character’s depth and his commitment to justice and piety.

The symbolism in “The Suppliants” is profound, with the act of supplication itself serving as a powerful symbol of vulnerability and trust in divine and human justice. The imagery of the Danaids clinging to the altar of the gods, their white garments symbolizing purity, and their unwavering resolve to maintain their chastity, all contribute to the play’s thematic depth and emotional impact.
Broader Significance and Impact

“The Suppliants” holds a significant place in the canon of Greek tragedy for its exploration of themes that are both timeless and deeply rooted in the cultural and religious context of ancient Greece. The play’s focus on asylum, justice, and the responsibilities of rulers and citizens reflects broader ethical and philosophical concerns that continue to resonate today.

Aeschylus’s portrayal of the Danaids’ plight and King Pelasgus’s moral dilemma offers valuable insights into the nature of justice and the role of the state in protecting the vulnerable. These themes are particularly relevant in contemporary discussions about refugees, asylum seekers, and the ethical responsibilities of nations and leaders.

Moreover, “The Suppliants” 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.