Greek Ideology > Orestes

Orestes

Background

Orestes is a significant figure in Greek mythology, known primarily for his role in the House of Atreus and the aftermath of the Trojan War. Here are the key aspects of Orestes:

Background and Family

1. House of Atreus:

   • Orestes was the son of King Agamemnon of Mycenae and Queen Clytemnestra. He was a member of the royal family of the House of Atreus, which was plagued by a cycle of violence and revenge.

2. Siblings:

   • Orestes had a sister, Iphigenia, and a half-sister, Electra. He also had a brother, Pylades, who became his close companion and ally.

Revenge for Agamemnon's Death

1. Agamemnon's Murder:

   • Orestes's father, Agamemnon, was murdered by Clytemnestra and her lover, Aegisthus, upon his return from the Trojan War. Clytemnestra resented Agamemnon for sacrificing their daughter, Iphigenia, to appease the gods before the war.

2. Avenging his Father:

   • Prompted by the god Apollo and urged on by his sister Electra, Orestes vowed to avenge his father's murder by killing Clytemnestra and Aegisthus.

Matricide and Pursuit by the Furies

1. Murder of Clytemnestra:

   • Orestes, with the help of his friend Pylades, killed Clytemnestra and Aegisthus, fulfilling his vow of vengeance.

2. Pursued by the Furies:

   • As punishment for matricide, Orestes was pursued by the Furies, vengeful spirits representing divine justice. He suffered from madness and torment as a result of their relentless pursuit.

Trial and Acquittal

1. Trial in Athens:

   • Orestes sought refuge and purification in Athens, where he was brought to trial for the murder of Clytemnestra. The trial, known as the Areopagus, was presided over by Athena and judged by a jury of Athenian citizens.

2. Acquittal:

   • With Athena casting the tie-breaking vote, Orestes was acquitted of his crime. The verdict ended the cycle of bloodshed within the House of Atreus and established the principle of legal justice over divine retribution.

Legacy and Interpretations

1. Symbol of Moral Dilemma:

   • Orestes's story has been interpreted as a moral dilemma between conflicting duties to family and justice. His actions raise questions about the nature of revenge, the obligations of kinship, and the consequences of violence.

2. Literary and Artistic Depictions:

   • Orestes's story has been the subject of numerous works of literature, drama, and art throughout history, including Aeschylus's "Oresteia," Euripides's "Electra," and artworks by classical and Renaissance artists.

Summary

Orestes, the son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, played a central role in the tragic saga of the House of Atreus. His journey from avenger to fugitive to acquitted hero reflects the complex interplay of fate, family, and justice in Greek mythology. Orestes's story continues to resonate as a timeless exploration of moral responsibility, divine justice, and the human condition.

Sources

Greek Ideology