Page "Erinyes" Paragraph 5

In Aeschylus's Oresteia, the story is begun with Agamemnon's return home, to find that his wife, Clytemnestra, had married her lover, Aegisthus.

Agememnon was slain by his wife.

When Orestes, their son, reached manhood, he was commanded by one of Apollo ’ s oracles to avenge his father ‘ s murder at his mother ’ s hand.

Orestes hastened to follow Apollo ’ s orders.

He returned home and revealed himself to his sister.

However, he pretended to be a messenger bringing the news of his death and slew Clytemnestra.

Although Orestes ’ actions were what the god Apollo had commanded him to do, Orestes had still committed matricide and because of this, he was pursued by the terrible Erinyes.

They chased him relentlessly and upon reaching Delphi he was told by Apollo that he should go to Athens to seek Athena's aid ; he did so and she arranged a trial.

The Erinyes appeared as Orestes ’ accusers, while Apollo spoke in defence.

He was acquitted and after this process the Erinyes were satisfied by Athena's mixture of bribes and veiled threats.

At this point Athena led a procession accompanying them to their new abode, with the escort now addressing them as " Semnai " ( Venerable Ones ), as they will now be honored by the citizens of Athens and ensure the city's prosperity.