Special Sub-Topic: The Oresteia Click Here To Play: The Oresteia

Who was Agamemnon's father?

Atreus. Thyestes cursed Atreus after he was tricked by him into eating his sons. The only son who survived was Aegisthus, who later helped plot Agamemnon's murder.

What is the season of the year when "Agamemnon" opens?

Fall. The play opens during the tenth year of the Trojan War. A watchman is struggling to stay awake from the roof of Agamemnon's palace.

When Cassandra first speaks, which God's name does she invoke?

Apollo. Cassandra was Agamemnon's prize from his victory at Troy. She predicted and did nothing to stop her demise at the hands of Clytaemnestra.

Which God did Agamemnon have to sacrifice his daughter to?

Artemis. Iphigenia was Agamemnon's daughter. She was "sacrificed" to Artemis, to placate the "savage winds of Thrace" which would then ease, so Agamemnon's fleet could set sail for Troy.

What bird is Cassandra associated with?

The Nightingale. Her tale is related to that of Procne and Philomela. Philomela had her tongue cut out by Tereus. Like the Nightingale, which Procne was turned into to escape Tereus' wrath, Cassandra speaks a story that no one can understand.

Who is Orestes' old nurse in the "Libation Bearers"?

Cilissa. Orestes was like a son to her. Cilissa unknowingly helps Orestes kill Aegisthus by telling him to come alone to hear the terrible news concerning Orestes' "death."

What does Electra find at Agamemnon's grave?

A lock of hair. The lock of hair is a traditional offering to the dead. She knew the lock of hair could have only come from Orestes because of the texture and curls which she recognized immediately. Shortly after, Electra and Orestes had an emotional reunion.

What was the name of the Prophet who told Agamemnon to sacrifice his daughter?

Calchas. Because of Calchas, Agamemnon's fleet set sail for Troy. Ten years later, after conquering Troy, what was left of Agamemnon's fleet was destroyed by a terrible sea storm and only his ship survived.

Who motivates Orestes to kill Clytaemnestra when he becomes indecisive about his plan?

Pylades. Right before Clytaemnestra dies she curses Orestes with Furies. They are fearsome goddesses with snakes for hair, that intend on hunting Orestes down for matricide.

When the "Libation Bearers" begins, what is Electra's occupation?

Servant. Electra and the women in the chorus at the beginning of the play are heading to Agamemnon's grave to pour libations in homage to him.

Who is the first God to appear in the "Eumenides?"

Apollo. Apollo is charges with protecting Orestes from harm. He starts the play by verbally abusing the sleeping Furies. Apollo's oracle is at Delphi.

Where is Orestes to be tried at?

The Crag Of Ares. Athena convenes a tribunal of ten men of Athens to judge Orestes' fate with Athena presiding over the court as the Judge. Athena would cast the tie breaking vote if the men could not agree on Orestes' guilt.

Which God escorts Orestes to Athens for his trial?

Hermes. Hermes is the messenger God. He is Zeus's herald. Apollo charges him with delivering Orestes safely to Athens.

What do the "Eumenides" mean?

The kindly ones. At the end of the play, when the furies lose their case, Athena placates their fury by making them protectors of Athens to be praised and respected by their people.

Who plays the role of the Defense Attorney at Orestes' trial?

Apollo. Orestes is Apollo's suppliant. Apollo ordered Orestes to kill his mother and as such he feels compelled to defend him to the fullest degree against the Furies vengeance.