As widely known, upon returning from the Trojan War, King Agamemnon was murdered by his wife, Queen Clytemnestra, and her lover, Aegisthus. Their motive was revenge: Agamemnon had sacrificed their daughter, Iphigenia, to the goddess Artemis in Aulis in order to obtain favorable winds for the Greek fleet.

Following the murder, Agamemnon’s daughter Electra took immediate action. She secretly smuggled her younger brother, Orestes, out of Mycenae and sent him to the court of King Strophius in Phocis, with one purpose in mind — to ensure he would grow up and one day avenge their father.

Years passed. Orestes, now a grown man, returned to Mycenae accompanied by Pylades, son of King Strophius. Disguised as Phocian messengers, the two brought grave news: Orestes had died.

Hearing the false report, Queen Clytemnestra rejoiced and prepared to offer sacrifices to the gods. In her absence, Orestes revealed his true identity to Electra. Together, they plotted the deaths of both Clytemnestra and Aegisthus.

At that very moment, Aegisthus returned from the fields — and fell into their trap. After killing him, Orestes confronted his mother. Despite her pleas for mercy, he remained unmoved. In a dramatic moment, Orestes stabbed Queen Clytemnestra, killing her over the corpse of her lover.

The moment her blood was spilled, the Erinyes — the goddesses of vengeance — descended upon Orestes. Haunted and tormented, he descended into madness and was forced to wander in despair, trying to escape their relentless pursuit.

Now, with the intervention of the gods, Orestes will stand trial before the Areopagus — Athens’ highest court. The key question is already dividing the people of Mycenae: will Orestes be absolved?

Some believe that Clytemnestra and Aegisthus deserved their fate, having seized power by murdering the rightful king. Others argue that no justification can absolve Orestes of the crime of matricide.

As anticipation builds, the forthcoming verdict from the Areopagus is the subject of intense speculation. Will Orestes be cleared of guilt? Which way will the gods cast their votes? These are now the most discussed questions echoing through the streets of Mycenae.