Eumenides

Aeschylus (c.525–c.456 BC), translated by Theodoridis, G., (contributor-contact-email)

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The Oresteia, a trilogy by Aeschylus from the 5th century BCE, comprises three Greek tragedies focusing on the House of Atreus. The sequence begins with Agamemnon’s murder by Clytemnestra, continues through Orestes’ killing of Clytemnestra, and concludes with Orestes’ trial, lifting the family’s curse and appeasing the Furies.

The Eumenides, the concluding part of the trilogy, depicts the evolution of Athenian justice and the city’s legal systems. Orestes, pursued by the Furies, goddesses of retribution, for murdering his mother, seeks refuge in Athens. With Apollo’s aid, he momentarily evades the Furies whilst they are sleeping, but they are soon awakened by Clytemnestra’s ghost who demands justice.

In Athens, Athena organises a trial for Orestes at the Areopagus, overseen by herself and a jury of twelve Athenians. This trial, featuring Orestes, Apollo, and the Furies, symbolises the establishment of judicial proceedings. The outcome is a deadlock, resolved by Athena’s casting vote, sparing Orestes’ life. Initially displeased, the Furies are persuaded by Athena to embrace a role of guardianship rather than vengeance. Athena renames them the Eumenides or the Gracious Ones, signifying their transformed purpose. She decrees that henceforth, legal disputes should be resolved through courtroom trials, marking a shift from personal vendettas to structured legal processes.

Author Details

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Theodoridis, G.,

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