Eumenides by Aeschylus is the last play in a trilogy about Agamemnon and his dysfunctional family. In the second episode Orestes had killed his mother Clytemnestra in response to her murdering his father Agamemnon. Orestes has wandered the earth seeking atonement. Apollo has been his guide and champion in obtaining cleansing from his guilt. Apollo had also directed him to carry out the murder.
The chorus in Eumenides is composed of the Furies, who are avenging spirits. They rail against Apollo and the atonement of anyone who has murdered his mother. Orestes believes he was justified in this act, because his mother had killed his father. The Furies believe that his was the greater sin, because he shared common blood with his mother.
Orestes appeals to the goddess Athena who convenes a jury to hear the evidence. Apollo argues Orestes’ case. One of his arguments is that the father actually “begets” and the mother is only a vessel in which the planted seed grows. So, Orestes had a greater tie to his father than to his mother. Apollo’s lack of knowledge of reproductive science notwithstanding, when the jury casts their votes, the count shows they are split evenly. Athena casts the deciding ballot in favor of Orestes being acquitted.
The Furies are distraught. The reason for their upset is not exactly altruistic. It isn’t just that Orestes has gotten away with murdering his mother, it is also that they have lost the argument, and so believe, that their influence and respect given them will be diminished. Athena convinces the Furies to become protectors of the city of Athens, and thus, to receive honor. Eventually they are convinced, Zeus is praised, and all is well.
Interesting quotes:
Athena: Wrong shall not triumph here by force of oaths.
The Furies: The deed is done, but thence ensues the consequence.
The Furies: Never be this thirsty ground,
Drunk with fratricidal blood,
Nor lust of Power insatiate
Snatch at vengeance evermore.
In one fellowship of Good
Each be to his neighbor bound,
One in love and one in hate;
For such grace, where’er ‘tis found,
Lays the balm to many a wound.
I am curious about the way in which these plays were actually presented. The chorus has major passages to recite. Where they able to do this with sufficient unity and clarity that the audience could actually understand what was said? What was it like to go to the theater in ancient Greece? I am perfectly OK with never knowing the answer to that question.
