num_pages: 304
description: Aeschylus' Oresteia , the only ancient tragic trilogy to survive, is one of the great foundational texts of Western culture. It begins with Agamemnon , which describes Agamemnon's return from the Trojan War and his murder at the hands of his wife Clytemnestra, continues with her murder by their son Orestes in Libation Bearers , and concludes with Orestes' acquittal at a court founded by Athena in Eumenides . The trilogy thus traces the evolution of justice in human society from blood vengeance to the rule of law, Aeschylus' contribution to a Greek legend steeped in murder, adultery, human sacrifice, cannibalism, and endless intrigue. This new translation is faithful to the strangeness of the original Greek and to its enduring human truth, expressed in language remarkable for poetic intensity, rich metaphorical texture, and a verbal density that modulates at times into powerful simplicity. The translation's precise but complicated rhythms honor the music of the Greek, bringing intounforgettable English the Aeschylean vision of a world fraught with spiritual and political tensions.
language: English
title: The Oresteia
titlecomplete: The Oresteia
characters: Clytemnestra (wife of Agamemnon), Cassandra, Orestes, Agamemnon, Electra
genres: Mythology, Theatre, School, Drama, Plays, Poetry, Literature, Classics, Fiction, Ancient
ratings_count: 43217
places: Greece, Argos
series: Oresteia
awards: awardedAt: 220953600000
name: National Book Award Finalist
category: Translation
publisher: Oxford University Press