Introduction
"The Suppliants" is an ancient Greek tragedy written by the dramatist Aeschylus in around 460 BCE. The play is a part of Aeschylus' Danaid Tetralogy, a series of four plays that dealt with the myth of the fifty little girls of Danaus, known as the Danaids. "The Suppliants" is the first play in the collection, followed by "The Egyptians", "The Danaids", as well as "The Amymone". Nevertheless, only the first play has actually survived to today day.
"The Suppliants" is unique amongst old Greek catastrophes because of its fairly simple plot as well as concentrate on a carolers of characters. The play largely revolves around the flight of the Danaids from Egypt to Argos, in ancient Greece, as they look for sanctuary from their forced marriages to their relatives, the boys of Aegyptus. Their daddy, Danaus, accompanies them on their trip as well as encounters numerous obstacles along the road.
The Danaids' Plight
The play begins with the carolers of Danaids looking for sanctuary at a church in Argos, after getting away Egypt to run away the forced marital relationships arranged by their uncle, Aegyptus, who means to marry his fifty kids to the Danaids. Their dad, Danaus, recommends them to plead with the gods for security and advice. The Danaids pray to Zeus, their forefather, to secure them and also seek his advice on whether they need to send to the required marriages or continue to withstand.
Meanwhile, a proclaim named Pelasgus, that is the king of Argos, approaches the Danaids as well as concerns them concerning their visibility in his city. Danaus tells the king their story and seeks his aid to secure his daughters from the boys of Aegyptus. Pelasgus is initially hesitant, as he is afraid the effects of getting involved in the matter. However, he ultimately agrees to hold a public assembly to talk about the problem as well as determine what course of action to take.
Interest the Argives
Danaus deals with the people of Argos as well as asserts his blood-connection to the city, as he is an offspring of Io, a princess of Argos that was become a cow by Zeus and driven to Egypt. He suggests that the Danaids are likewise offspring of Argive nobility, consequently, the people of Argos have a duty to protect them. He additionally advises that if they do not help the Danaids, the city will be cursed by the gods for enabling innocent females to be hurt.
The Argive setting up, relocated by Danaus' plea and fearing the rage of the gods, determines to grant asylum to the Danaids. They accept shield them from the seeking Egyptians and guarantee to defend the ladies to the death if essential.
Danger from Aegyptus' Sons
The children of Aegyptus soon show up in Argos, requiring that the Danaids be handed over to them. Pelasgus declines, stating that he can not betray the trust of individuals that have provided the Danaids sanctuary. The kids of Aegyptus threaten that the matter will certainly not be dealt with without bloodshed, however Pelasgus stays bold, all set to defend the Danaids at all costs.
Divine Intervention and Conclusion
At this crucial juncture, the siren Athena interferes and also offers a resolution to the problem. She recommends the king to hold a test, during which the gods will certainly evaluate the matter themselves and also figure out the simply result for all parties included.
By the end of the play, the Danaids have actually effectively sought haven in Argos, and also the people of the city have pledged to shield them from their pursuers. The gods have intervened on their part, offering a pledge of resolution, as well as the sons of Aegyptus have actually been forced to await divine judgment. The play ends on a note of loved one tranquility and hope, with the potential for the remaining Tetralogy to additionally explore the destiny of the Danaids and their pursuers.
The Suppliants
Original Title: Ἱκέτιδες
The Suppliants tells the story of the fifty daughters of Danaus, who flee to Argos from Egypt to escape marriage to their cousins, the fifty sons of Aegyptus. King Pelasgus of Argos must decide whether to protect the women or send them away to face their fate.
Author: Aeschylus
Aeschylus, the influential Greek playwright known as the Father of Tragedy, whose works laid the foundation for Western drama.
More about Aeschylus