Euripides: Legend of Greek mythology
Dr. Senarath Tennakoon
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Euripides
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Euripides (485-406 BC) is one of the great Greek writers. He wrote
over ninety plays of which just nineteen have survived, including
several masterpieces, which continue to be staged centuries after his
death (Mc Namara, 1999). He lived during the Golden Age of Greek
civilization which brought about remarkable achievements in democracy,
medicine, philosophy, theatre and poetry.
Euripides produced his outstanding play, Medea in 431 BC. Euripides
was the first to break away from the traditional stiff theatrical
quality of the early Greek drama. Much of his writing is remarkable for
its fluidity, a realism that is appreciated by the modern audiences.
Further he is looked upon as a playwright who disliked women
(misogynist). But the play Trojan Women shows a deep concern over
womenfolk during war times.
Media has its source in a very famous Greek myth. The rightful heir
to the city of Iolchos (in Thessaly, northern Greece) was Jason. But he
was deprived of his birthright by treachery and the king of this city,
Pelias ordered Jason to bring the Golden Fleece from Colchis. This
Fleece was being guarded by a fearful dragon, and Pelias was dead sure
that Jason would not return.
However, Jason accepted this challenge as he would become the king of
the city if he could bring the Golden Fleece to the city.
Jason set off in search of the Golden Fleece in a shop called Argo
together with a group of brave soldiers. After overcoming several perils
the group reached Colchis (on Black sea). The king of Colchis was a
magician.
His name was Aretes set three difficult tasks in order to kill him.
Jason had firstly to yoke two fierce fire breathing bulls and plough to
till five acres of land. Then he had to sow dragon’s teeth and destroy
all the armed soldiers that spring out of these seeds. Finally he should
kill the fierce dragon in the woods. This dragon guards the Golden
Fleece. It is always awake.
Further Aretes secretly sent assassins to Argo to kill Jason and his
men while they were asleep. But Medea the pretty daughter of Aeetes who
fell in love with Jason overwhelmingly, helped Jason to overcome these
hurdles Medea was a sorceress who could produce deadly potons at will.
She had rare magical powers. She was related to the Sun god (Apollo) as
her father was the son of Apollo.
After obtaining the Golden Fleece Jason and Medea began to leave for
Iolchos by sea. But their ship was chased by her father in a ship. But
Medea killed her half-brother who too was going with them and cut his
body and threw it into the sea. This cruel act made her father give up
the chase.
After reaching Iolchos Jason lived with Medea and the king (Pelias)
refused to fulfil his bargain.
But after some years when Medea has given birth to two sons the king
decided to chase away Medea and wanted to give his daughter Glauce
(princes of Corinth). But Medea executed a well structured plan making
use of her magical powers.
She not only killed the king and the daughter she too killed her two
sons by Jason.
Thus she took revenge from Jason who forgot how Medea helped him in
bringing the Golden Fleece. Jason wished social prestige, royal power
and riches.
Medea was a sorceress belonging to the Barbarians. During this Golden
Age of Greece, all those who lived outside the Greek territory were
looked upon as uncivilized Barbarians.
The play conforms with the format of a traditional/conventional Greek
tragedy. There is a Prologue in which the audience is informed of the
essential facts of the play and of its background.
Then follows the Parados (ritual entrance of the Chorus and their
opening speech. The Chorus can express their views and comment over the
play events but they cannot alter the flow of events and actions in the
play.
Then a series of Episodes (usually five) follow, each being followed
by a Stasiimon (choric ode) and finally the Exodus (final speech of the
Chorus) marks the end of the play.
Medea strictly conforms to this set style. Originally plays like
Medea were performed as part of the annual ritual of celebrating the god
Dionysus (god of celebration, intoxication and all things fleshy).
In this play the prologue begins with a speech by the nurse.
She tells the audience that Jason plans to marry the princess of
Corinith (the daughter of King Creon) and Medea and her two sons are
going to face a terrible fate. The tutor too appears on the stage with
the two sons and join the nurse in the discussion. The audience begin to
hear the laments of Medea.
Stasimon 1 (the first choric ode) is designed to clarify the meaning
of love. The Chorus sympathizes Medea. Episode 2 is short with two
scenes. In the first scene Medea is talking with the king of Athens who
is willing to marry her and take her to Athens as he is sympathetic
towards her to overcome her plight. In scene 2 Media weaves her revenge
plain Instasimon 2 we observe the Chorus expresses doubts whether Athens
would welcome a child murderer.
In episode 3 we see a very calmed Medea trying to understand the
views of Jason and willing to leave him and allowing him to enter into
marriage with the princess.
However she wants to give a present to his future wife - a dress and
a golden coronet to be presented through her two sons. Jason like a fool
allows her wish to be implemented. In stasimon 3 the Chorus.
Sings about the cruel plan of Medea. Why should she kill the two
children?
In episode 4 the tutor informs Medea that the gifts have been
delivered to Jason’s new bride.
She is with her two loving children. Her moods change from time to
time, but she is determined to kill her two sons. The fourth choric code
is totally reflective of Media’s mental confusion. |
