Myth Response

that it tells of the deeds of superhuman beings such as gods,

demigods, heroes, spirits or ghosts; that it is set outside historical time(4)

It is clear throughout the Oresteia that the characters believe in the Gods and pray and worship them. Furthermore, the Gods are truly present in the Eumenides, as are spirits. The Gods, Apollo and Athena, are the most present in the Eumenides, they play a huge part in Orestes’ actions and judgment.

“Leader:

      Lord Apollo, now it is your turn to listen.

      You are no mere accomplice in this crime.

      You did it all, and all the guilt is yours….

      You commanded the guest to kill his mother.

…Apollo:

      -Commanded him to avenge his father, what of it?”

(239, lines 196-201)

The Leader of the Furies is speaking to Apollo and blaming him for Orestes’ actions which Apollo admits to commanding. Not only does Aeschylus tell the deeds of superhuman beings but those deeds effect the actions of the characters and the outcome of the play. Another passage that clearly shows the presence and effect of superhumans is on page 251,

“Athena:

      You would turn over responsibility to me,

      to reach the final verdict?

Leader:

                                      Certainly,

      We respect you. You show us respect.”

(lines 447-449)

The Furies, superhuman beings themselves, are set on killing Orestes for his matricide; however they hand over the decision to Athena, the Goddess.  It is interesting how easily they turn over this decision to Athena, but it also proves how large a role the Gods were in the lives of every other being. Orestes’ entire life depended on the Gods, from avenging his father’s murder to paying for the murder he committed. Luckily, the Gods were on his side. There was a spirit who clearly was not on his side however,

“the Ghost of Clytaemnestra:

Up! don’t yield to the labour, limp with sleep.

Never forget my anguish.

 Let my charges hurt you, they are just;

deep in the righteous heart they prod like spurs.

You, blast him on with your gory breath,

the fire of your vitals—wither him, after him,

one last foray—waste him, burn him out!”

(236, lines 134-139)

Clytaemnestra, after death, was very angry with Orestes after he avenged his father’s murder. She is urging the Furies on as a spirit in the world.

The part played by superhuman beings in the Oresteia is huge. The play depends upon the meddling of the Gods from the very beginning of Agamemnon; through the sacrifice of Iphigenia. Then throughout Libation Bearers, as Orestes learns who killed his father. And finally, in the Eumenides where it seems as though the Gods are present in human form to guide and judge the matters of Earth.