1. Before, During, and After Euripides’ Medea

2. Medea: Character Profile
Niece of Circe
Granddaughter of sun god Helios
Woman of great passion
Sorceress
Priestess of Hecate, goddess of underworld

3. Jason Jason’s uncle usurps his throne in Iolchos; sends Jason on quest
Jason seeks Golden Fleece in M’s father’s kingdom (Colchis)
Hera (Jason’s protector) gets Aphrodite to make M. fall for Jason

4. Promises Made Promises Kept M will help J get Fleece J will marry M
M murders own brother to slow father’s pursuit of J
J marries M
They go to Iolchus

5. Jason’s Kingdom M tricks J’s cousins into killing their own father
J doesn’t get kingdom
J + M get driven out of town; flee to Corinth

6. Euripides’ Medea J + M have 2 kids J has betrayed M
Engaged to Corinth king Creon’s daughter
King Creon banishes M and children
M kills Creon + daughter, and her own kids in revenge
M flees to Athens’ King Aegeus in Helios’ chariot

7. After the Play J dies alone, in obscurity
M marries, has son with Aegeus
Tries to poison Aegeus’ first son Theseus (fails; is banished)
Goes back to Colchis, helps father get kingdom back
Eventually becomes immortal
J dies alone, in obscurity
Piece of his own ship falls on him

8. Things to Consider Who would the ancient Greeks blame for the tragedy?
Who do you blame?
What is Euripides’ opinion of women?
What relevance does this story have for modern readers?