38 pages • 1 hour read
The Libation Bearers
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Book Brief
54
Play • Fiction
Argos, Greece • Mythical Era
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
The Libation Bearers by Aeschylus, produced in 458 BCE, continues the Oresteia trilogy by depicting Orestes avenging his father Agamemnon's murder by killing his mother Clytaemestra. Exiled by Clytaemestra and her lover Aegisthus, Orestes returns, secretly plots with his sister Electra, and ultimately commits matricide to fulfill his duty as commanded by the god Apollo.
Dark
Mysterious
Suspenseful
Melancholic
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
3,562 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
The Libation Bearers by Aeschylus receives praise for its intense portrayal of revenge and the complexities of familial duty. Critics commend the strong character development and rich emotional appeal. However, some note the dense language and historical context can be challenging for modern readers. Overall, it remains a powerful and enduring work in Greek tragedy.
Who Should Read The Libation Bearers?
Readers who appreciate complex family dynamics, themes of revenge and justice, and classical Greek literature will enjoy Aeschylus's The Libation Bearers. Fans of Sophocles's Antigone and Euripides's Medea will find similar intrigue and depth in this work.
3,562 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Electra
Electra
The daughter of Agamemnon and Clytaemestra and Orestes’s sister, who has been living in mourning and servitude after her father's death. She eagerly anticipates her brother’s return as she harbors a deep desire for retribution.
Clytaemestra
Clytaemestra
The mother of Orestes and Electra, living in Argos after having killed her husband Agamemnon, and now married to Aegisthus. She navigates a complex web of fear and justification while holding a powerful presence.
Chorus
Chorus
A group of Argive servant women who are loyal to Orestes and Electra. They accompany Electra to perform rituals at Agamemnon’s tomb and support the family's pursuit of justice for past wrongs.
54
Play • Fiction
Argos, Greece • Mythical Era
Adult
18+ years
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