Aeschylus: Oresteia - Libation Bearers

Beginning and ending with the kindling of fires, Aeschylus’ trilogy, the Oresteia, reflects on the cyclicality of violence and the inescapable claims of blood kinship—claims binding parents and children, the living to the crimes of the dead.

We continue with Aeschylus' Libation Bearers, with Orestes returning home, seeking blood for blood. He finds his sister, Electra at their father's tomb, where they face an impossible choice: avenge their father's murder or let his killer, their mother, remain unpunished.

In the play, Aeschylus continues to examine the inextricability of justice with vengeance and the agony of divinely commanded crime. Please read ahead and be prepared to discuss Aeschylus’ Libation Bearers in detail.