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In Greek mythology, Orestes was the son of Clytemnestra and Agamemnon. As Aeschylus tells it, the punishment ended there, but according to Euripides, in order to escape the persecutions of the Erinyes, Orestes was ordered by Apollo to go to After his return to Greece, Orestes took possession of his father's kingdom of Mycenae (killing Aegisthus' son, Orestes appears also to be a dramatic prototype for all persons whose crime is mitigated by extenuating circumstances. But when it had been decided that, while one remained to be killed, the other should depart for Mycenae to bear a letter, each wished to remain for the sake of the other, considering that he himself lived in the survival of his friend. orestes. After Atreus was murdered by his nephew Aegisthus (son of Thyestes), Agamemnon and Menelaus took refuge with Tyndareus, king of Sparta,…
On reaching manhood, Orestes avenged his father by killing Aegisthus and Clytemnestra. Aeschylus was a traditionalist, so he won't contradict Homer. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica.Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox. She may have been driven to infidelity by a desire for revenge. History at your fingertips
The only son of Agamemnon and Clytemnestra, and brother of Chrysothemis, Laodice (), and Iphianassa (). Orestes. Features
It opens with Orestes, still pursued by the Erinyes, fleeing to Delphi to appeal to Apollo for help, since Apollo sent him to kill his mother in the first place.
Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article.The story of Orestes was a favourite in ancient art and literature. Apollo cannot send the Erinyes away, but he does make them fall asleep so Hermes can escort Orestes to Athens. Asked by reti k #196071 on 8/18/2011 8:19 AM Last updated by Aslan on 8/18/2011 1:11 PM Answers 1 Add Yours. Search Britannica
Taking the love god as the mediator of their emotions for each other, they sailed together as it were on the same vessel of life...nor did they restrict their affectionate friendship to the limits of Hellas....as soon as they set foot on the land of the Tauride, the Fury of matricides was there to welcome the strangers, and, when the natives stood around them, the one was struck to the ground by his usual madness and lay there, but Pylades "did wipe away the foam and tend his frame and shelter him with a fine well-woven robe," thus showing the feelings not merely of a lover, but also of a father.
Categories 1. Orestes, in Greek mythology, son of Agamemnon, king of Mycenae (or Argos), and his wife, Clytemnestra. Orestes' bloody deed majorly ticks off the dark-winged Furies who drive Orestes insane by torturing the crap out of him wherever he goes. Login
Encyclopaedia Britannica's editors oversee subject areas in which they have extensive knowledge, whether from years of experience gained by working on that content or via study for an advanced degree.... What Homer doesn't say is why Orestes was there or any other part of those circumstances. Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. He was the son (or grandson) of Atreus, king of Mycenae, and his wife Aërope and was the brother of Menelaus. Orestes wasn't around when Agamemnon was killed, because Clytemnestra had already sent him away to be brought up in Phocian.
What musical instrument is the Greek god Pan associated with? According to the Homeric account, Agamemnon his return from Troy did not see his son, but was murdered by Aegisthus and Clytemnestra before he had an opportunity of seeing him. He is the subject of several Ancient Greek plays and of various myths connected with his madness and purification, which retain obscure threads of much older ones. Answered by Aslan on 8/18/2011 1:11 PM The Chorus of Furies interrogate Orestes about his crime.
Agamemnon, in Greek legend, king of Mycenae or Argos. How It (Supposedly) Went Down Brief Summary.
According to Homer, Orestes was away when his father returned from Troy to meet his death at the hands of Aegisthus, his wife’s lover.
The Greek name Ὀρέστης, having become "Orestes" in Latin and its descendants, is derived from Greek ὄρος (óros, “mountain”) and ἵστημι (hístēmi, “to stand”), and so can be thought to have the meaning "stands on a mountain".
But Orestes refused to take the letter, claiming Pylades was the fitter person to do so, and thus showed himself almost to be the lover rather than the beloved.
Why or why not. The purification of Orestes by Apollo, detail of a 5th-century-Electra and Orestes killing Aegisthus in the presence of their mother, Clytemnestra; detail of a Greek vase, 5th century