I love the rant of the Furies! These are primordial deities of VENGEANCE. Yet they criticize the guilt that belongs to both sides of this situation. Most of all they criticize the pseudo-justice of the upstart gods who lead from Olympus. "Such is your triumph, you young gods, world dominion past all rights. Your throne streaming blood, blood at the foot, blood at the crowning head-I can see the Navelstone of the Earth, it's bleeding, bristling corruption, oh, the guilt it has to bear-"
These new gods have been the cause of so much bloodshed. The earth is tired of it. I believe the Greeks are sensing their own corruption and the inevitability of their fall. These new gods they've chosen to follow have become much too human. However, they're caught in their fear of the gods power to actually cast them off. The Oresteia seems to a play of cultural enigmas.
P. S. I commented on the blog of Collin.
P. S. I commented on the blog of Collin.
It's really interesting as the transition from old gods and powers to new ones is almost like the transfer of power and influence from an older generation to the next. Older generations are loath to give up their power and recognize the new ones, but are afraid they will be case off entirely, and the new generations haven't gotten everything straight, and could use a dose of wisdom from the elders.
ReplyDeleteThis is a really awesome view to take and I sympathize with the Furies more and more. It was interesting to note the thread of Old vs. New in the gods' world. I would be frustrated, too, if young upstart gods were trying to get in the way of my immortal purpose. The outcome of The Eumenides (it's even titled with their new, 'neutered' name) becomes more and more unsatisfactory the longer I think about it.
ReplyDeleteAt first, I had mixed emotions about the Furies, but as I read farther and your views, I can sympathize more with the Furies. Also, your view on the old vs. new gods is really amazing and opens my eyes to a different take on the books!
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