Shifting from Revenge to Justice: Eumenides

In Eumenides, the final play of Aeschylus’ Oresteia trilogy, we see a big shift in how justice is handled. Early in the trilogy, justice is all about personal revenge—one murder leads to another. But by the end, that cycle is broken. Instead of more bloodshed, the characters find a new way: law and order through a court system.

The play centers on Orestes, who kills his mother Clytemnestra to avenge his father’s death. That triggers the wrath of the Furies, ancient goddesses of vengeance, who chase Orestes to Athens. Instead of letting the cycle continue, Athena steps in and creates the first trial by jury. “I will establish this tribunal for all time to come” (Aeschylus 1035), she says, introducing a system where people solve conflicts through reason, not revenge.

This is a big deal and not just for the play, but for what it says about Greek society at the time. Athens was building a democracy, and trials were a key part of that. By showing Athena setting up a court, Aeschylus is basically looking at how far we’ve come. Justice doesn’t have to be violent. It can be fair, public, and decided by the people.

The Furies aren’t happy about this change at first. They believe vengeance and revenge is the only real justice. But after the trial, Athena convinces them to accept their new role as protectors of the city. She tells them, “You will be named revered, the kindly-minded spirits” (Aeschylus 1045). Their transformation into the “Eumenides” shows that even old, harsh traditions can evolve into something that supports community and peace.

The play also shows a balance between the gods and humans. Apollo defends Orestes, while the Furies want punishment, and Athena finds middle ground. She respects the old ways but makes room for a better future. A future that is based on laws and not anger.

Overall, Eumenides is about growing up as a society. It says that real justice isn’t about getting even; it’s about moving forward together.