The Eumenides Of Aeschylus

The "Eumenides", the concluding drama in Aeschylus' sole surviving trilogy, the "Oresteia", is not only one of the most admired Greek tragedies, but also one of the most controversial and contested, both to specialist scholars and public intellectuals. It stands at the crux of the controversies over the relationship between the fledgling democracy of Athens and the dramas it produced during the City Dionysia, and over the representation of women in the theatre and their implied status in Athenian society. The "Eumenides" enacts the trial of Agamemnon's son Orestes, who had been ordered under the threat of punishment by the god Apollo to murder his mother Clytemnestra, who had earlier killed Agamemnon.In the "Eumenides", Orestes, hounded by the Eumenides (Furies), travels first to Delphi to obtain ritual purgation of his mother's blood, and then, at Apollo's urging, to Athens to seek the help of Athena, who then decides herself that an impartial jury of Athenians should decide the matter. Aeschylus thus presents a drama that shows a growing awareness of the importance of free will in Athenian thought through the mythologized institution of the first jury trial.

Professor Sommerstein presents here a freshly constituted text, with introduction and commentary, of Eumenides, the final play in Aeschylus' Oresteia trilogy.

In The Eumenides, Orestes is hunted down and tormented by the Furies, a trio of goddesses known to be the instruments of justice, who are also referred to as the "Gracious Ones" (Eumenides). They relentlessly pursue Orestes for the killing of his mother. However, through the intervention of Apollo, Orestes is able to escape them for a brief moment while they are asleep and head to Athens under the protection of Hermes.

The Eumenides by Aeschylus is the thrilling conclusion to the tragic Oresteia trilogy. The narrative follows the protagonist, Orestes, as he is pursued by the vengeful Erinyes, divine beings seeking justice for his matricide. In The Eumenides, Aeschylus beautifully explores profound themes of guilt, retribution, and transformation. Through his intricate storytelling and vivid characterizations, he offers readers a compelling examination of justice and morality that resonates even today. For fans of Greek tragedy and classic literature, The Eumenides by Aeschylus is an essential read. Experience the gripping conclusion to the Oresteia trilogy today and delve into the dramatic world of ancient Greek literature.