Source edition
Aeschyli Tragoediae. Sidgwick, Arthur, editor. Oxford: Clarendon Press, 1902.
Source data
Perseus Digital Library · CC BY-SA 4.0
Cloned and adapted by Humanitext, with ongoing edits.
Summary
This Greek tragedy depicts the fate of Orestes, who is pursued for the crime of matricide, and the historical transition from blood vengeance to a system of justice under the law. The drama begins at the temple of Apollo in Delphi, where Orestes, hunted by the Furies (Erinyes) incited by his mother's ghost, flees to Athens under Apollo's protection. To resolve this unprecedented conflict, the goddess Athena establishes the Areopagus court, a jury comprised of Athenian citizens. In the courtroom, a fierce debate unfolds between Apollo, defending Orestes, and the Furies, who demand retribution according to ancient laws. Ultimately, Athena casts the deciding vote to acquit Orestes, and she successfully persuades the wrathful Furies to remain as the "Eumenides" (the Kindly Ones), protectors of Athens, bringing the tragedy to a peaceful and prosperous conclusion.