Orestes An Innocent Hero Essay -- essays research papers

Orestes An Innocent HeroThroughout time there has been a general question that does not yet yield a universal answer. All people have a different view on whether or not it is right to revenge the killing of another, through the death of the killers. In America during this day and age, it is the obligation of the court system to decide whether or not a liquidator should be put to death. Most of the time, the criminal is sentenced to a prison term, but when a judge decides to issue the death penalty there is usually an uproar among the people. Does the court now become a murderer along with the convicted felon or is the court an innocent body. Is it a hero who is looked upon as the hand of justice or just another bad rib? In the trilogy of &8220The Oresteia, we come across a similar situation. When his jealous wife Clytaemnestra and his cousin Aegisthus kill Agamemnon, the king of Argos, it is up to his long lost son Orestes, to retaliate his death. To the people of Argos and th e house of Atreus, Orestes was an innocent hero in yet another chess game played by the gods. Deep into the first story of &8220The Oresteia, die known as &8220Agamemnon, Cassandra, who has been cursed by Apollo to be a seer who give never be believed, envisions the death of Agamemnon and herself. It is in this vision that she sees an avenger who will come about and bring justice to the murdered victims, &8220 We will die, but not without some honor from the gods. There will come another to avenge us, born to kill his mother, born his father&8217s champion. The gods have sworn a monumental oath as his father lies upon the ground he draws him plate with power like a prayer. ( Aeschylus. The Oresteia U.S.A. Penguin, 1975.) This vision proves to be very important when speaking about the innocence of Orestes and his heroism as well. Before the incident even takes place, we know that the gods have destined Orestes to avenge his father&8217s death. During this period of time, when the gods were on your side, you were doing the right thing Another way to prove Orestes innocence is through the god of sun, song, and prophecy, better known as Apollo. Early on in &8220The Libation Bearers Orestes puts his faith in Apollo. He declares&8220Apollo will never fail me, no, his... ...it brings Orestes home. (Aeschylus, 172)As we operate on in &8220The Libation Bearers, Electra, like the leader and his chorus, also looks to Orestes as a savior or hero. As she sits at the grave of her father Agamemnon, Electra prays to Hermes, god of the dead. She prays for &8220the one, who murders in return (Aeschylus, 182) Later on in her prayers she says, &8220 Rekindle the light that saves our house (Aeschylus, 183) and &8220Raise up your avenger, into the light, my father &8211 kill the killers in return with justice. (Aeschylus, 183) All of these pious statements refer to one Orestes. As the trilogy comes to a climax, Orestes finally acts out his revenge and it is not until the end of his trial that his destiny is fulfilled. At the end of the trilogy, the jury was tear fifty fifty, and in another proof of innocence the tie breaking lot thrown by Athena was in favor of Orestes. He was formally proven innocent. Once more in Greek mythology, human beings were used as pawns in a godly game of chess but at least this is one of those times when an innocent hero emerged.