Medea

Medea is a Classical Roman tragedy, written by the philosopher and playwright Seneca around 50 CE. The play is an example of the “fabula crepidata” genre, meaning it draws on Greek mythology for its plot. The play recounts the story of Medea, a mythological figure famous for killing her own children as an act of revenge when her husband, Jason, betrays her. This myth had already been recounted by other Classical authors, such as Euripides and Ovid, before Seneca wrote his own adaptation. Medea and other tragedies by Seneca were translated into various European languages during the Renaissance and became very influential in the development of early modern drama. The play’s themes of revenge, betrayal, and dark magic have remained popular with audiences for centuries.

This study guide references the 2010 Oxford World’s Classics edition of Medea, translated by Emily Wilson.

Content Warning: The guide contains references to the violent death of children.

Plot Summary

The play begins in the Greek city of Corinth. Medea and her husband, Jason, have been living in Corinth with their two children. Jason has decided to leave Medea and marry the Corinthian princess Creusa, daughter of King

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