Overview of ''The Suppliants'' by Aeschylus
''The Suppliants'' tells the story of the Danaids, the fifty daughters of Danaus, who flee their homeland in Egypt to escape being forced into marriage with their cousins, the fifty sons of Aegyptus. Seeking refuge in Argos, the Danaids appeal to the Argive king, Pelasgus, for protection and asylum. The play explores the tension between the Danaids' desire for freedom and the political and social consequences of their actions, as well as the complex relationship between humanity and the divine. On the other hand, King Pelasgus comes in front of a hard decision, giving the daughters to King Aegyptus, he keeps his people safe but causes the wrath of Zeus, who, for the ancient Greeks, was the protector of the suppliants.
The play is the first part of a trilogy, with the second part called the Egyptians and the third part the Danaids, but it is the only part that survives in its entirety.
Themes and Messages in ''The Suppliants''
The play delves into the desperate quest for freedom and autonomy, symbolising the desire for self-determination and the right to choose one's own path. Central to the narrative is the concept of hospitality, emphasising the moral obligation and cultural norms governing the treatments of suppliants and refugees in ancient Greek society. Zeus was the god of Hospitality; for that reason, he was called Xenios Zeus. From the Greek word Philoxenia, which means hospitality. Furthermore, the play addresses the qualities of a democratic leader, portraying the ideal traits of a ruler who values democratic consultation and the welfare of people.
Characters
- Chorus of the fifty daughters of Danaus.
- Danaus, a descentant of Zeus and Io.
- Pelasgus, King of Argos.
- Herald of the Egyptians.
- Second chorus of maids attending the Danaids.
- Other soldiers and Attendants.
The Myth Behind the Story
With this work, or more specifically, with the myth on which this work is based, the ancient Greeks tried to explain the origin of the people of Egypt and the religious practices they followed. The myth begins with the beautiful Io, who was the daughter of the king of Argos, Iasos, and the high priestess of the temple of Hera in Argos. When one day Zeus, the king of the gods, saw her and fell in love with her, this provoked the jealousy of Hera, who pursued Io, and she, to escape, wandered to distant places. This story is very well captured in another work by Aeschylus, Prometheus Bound, where Io recounts her plight to the captive Prometheus.
Io, having transformed into a cow, wandered in several different places, ending up in Memphis, Egypt. She then regained her human form and gave birth to a son, Epaphus. His distant descendants were Aegyptus and Danaus. Egypt took its name from Aegyptus, according to folk etymology, thus, for Euripides, in his tragedy Helen, Aegyptus has become Egypt itself: ''Proteus, while he lived, was king here, ruling the whole of Aegyptus from his palace on the island of Pharos.''
On the other hand, from Danaus came on the tribes of the Greeks, the Danaans. Homer's epics and an ancient Egyptian tablet with hieroglyphic writing from the temple of Ammon in Thebes both mentioned this tribe.
Conclusion
The play's exploration of gender dynamics, the role of the divine, and the moral obligations of hospitality and asylum continue to resonate with audiences across ages. As we engage with ''The Suppliants,'' we gain a deeper understanding of the rich tapestry of ancient Greek drama, mythology, and history. By examining this work within the broader of Aeschylus's dramatic oeuvre and its influence on later playwrights, we uncover the profound and multifaceted nature of ancient Greek tragedy.
Relevant Articles
References
The Suppliants (Aeschylus). (2023, June 30). Wikipedia. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Suppliants_(Aeschylus)
Suppliants | Greek tragedy, chorus, gods. (2011, October 12). Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Suppliants-play-by-Aeschylus
YouTube
MoAn Inc. (2023, October 24). A Detailed Summary of THE SUPPLIANTS by Aeschylus [Video]. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_34Gj_L1ycw
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