AN ILLUSTRATION OF JUSTICE AND VENGEANCE IN EUMENIDES
‘The Eumenides’ is Aeschylus’ solution for the endless cycle of the blood feud existing in his time. ‘The Eumenides’ therefore answers the unanswered questions in ‘The Choephoroi’. ‘The Eumenides’ is a play in which the Olympian gods and deities who have been relegated to the background, take the stage in the administration of justice. ‘The Eumenides’ shows that the Olympian gods or deities were connected with the polis and civilized life as such as the city’s defense. Hence Apollo defense of Agamemnon, king of the state, father of Orestes and husband of Clytemnestra is seen as the true defense of the society of Athens. His concern for order is clearly expressed in his speech to the Erinyes: ‘Then you dishonor and annul the marriage- bond Of Zeus and Hera, that confirms all marriage- bonds; And by your argument the sweetest source of joy To mortals, Aphrodite, falls into contempt. Marriage, that joins two persons in Fate’s ordinance, Guarded by justice, stands more sacred than an oath…’ (Eumenides 213ff)
Apollo said marriage is the key stone of the civilized society. It is the only institution that makes the other partner a kinsman; as such if Clytemnestra’s crime goes unpunished, it becomes the end of the keystone. ‘You are unjust to persecute Orestes’ life His crime, I know, you take most grievously to heart; While for his mother’s you show open leniency. Pallas herself shall hear this case, and judge our pleas.’ (Eumenides 221ff)
The Erinyes, those ancient servants of justice could however promise no solution since they felt had the right to punish Orestes for killing his mother and