Source edition
Euripides. Euripidis Fabulae, Vol. II. Murray, Gilbert, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1913. (Reprinted 1921-1962)
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This Greek tragedy, set at the Temple of Apollo in Delphi, depicts the extraordinary destinies of a young temple servant with a secret lineage and an Athenian princess grieving her lost child. The protagonist, Ion, lives a peaceful life of service until the arrival of Creusa, the Princess of Athens, and her husband Xuthus, who have come to seek a cure for their childlessness. Through an oracle, Xuthus is led to believe that Ion is his own son and plans to take him back to Athens, driving the despairing Creusa—unaware of Ion's true identity—to plot the youth's murder. The assassination attempt narrowly fails, leading to a tense confrontation where an enraged Ion seeks to execute Creusa for her treason. Just as violence looms, the discovery of Ion's childhood tokens reveals the miraculous truth that they are actually mother and son. Finally, the goddess Athena appears to explain Apollo's divine plan and foretell Ion's glorious future, guiding them toward reconciliation and joy.