The Birds by Aristophanes. Short summary

5 seconds

The Athenians Pisfeiter and Evelpides are given wings when they enter the city of birds. Pispheter becomes ruler of the new bird city, son-in-law of Zeus and possessor of his Lightning.

1 minute

Two residents of Athens, Pispheter and Evelpides go in search of peace and happiness. One day they find themselves in the city of birds.

Seeing their easy life, Pispheter persuades the birds to take over the world of gods and men. This is how the city of Tuchekukuevsk appears in the air. The birds give the heroes wings, and Pisfeather becomes the ruler of the new city.

The birds promise the people patronage, persuade them to serve them, and leave the gods hungry by intercepting the smoke of the sacrifices.
The people rush to the ideal city, imitating the feathered ones and wishing they had wings. A poet, an oracle, an informer, a deceiver, and other «seekers of happiness» arrive at Pisfeter. Prometheus is among them. He tells us that the gods are frightened and have sent delegates to Pisfeather.

The messengers are Hercules, Poseidon, and the Thracian god Tribal. At first they make tough demands, but with intrigue and cunning Pisfeiter divides them.

Having made a treaty with the gods, Pisfeiter receives not only Zeus’ daughter Basileia as a wife but also his scepter, a symbol of power.