Orestes by Euripides. Short summary

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Orestes and Electra are tried for the murder of Clytemnestra’s mother. King Menelaus, who had promised support, reneges on his promise and the brother and sister are sentenced to execution. Orestes and his friend then take Helen and her daughter Hermione hostage.

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The tragedy is set in Argos a few days after Orestes killed his mother Clytemnestra. The hero is tormented by pangs of conscience, and the Argosian court must decide his fate. Along with Orestes, his sister Electra, who helped him commit the crime, is on trial. Elettra tenderly loves her brother and would do anything for him.

At this time the Spartan king Menelaus arrives in Argos with his wife Helen. Menelaus promises to help Orestes, but out of cowardice and fear of losing the throne of Sparta he refuses support at the last moment. His brother and sister are sentenced to execution.

To avenge Menelaus and escape, Orestes and his friend Pilad decide to take Helena and her daughter Hermione hostage. But here the god Apollo intervenes in the conflict. He turns Helena into a star and raises her to heaven. He orders Menelaus to take another wife, Orestes marries Hermione and Pilad marries Electra. Apollo foretells to Orestes that he will be vindicated by the Athenian Areopagus.