Examples of ‘deus ex machina’ in ancient Greek drama

Examples of ‘deus ex machina’ in ancient Greek drama

Q. What are some other examples of deus ex machina in ancient Greek drama?

Answer: Deus ex machina was a common narrative device employed in ancient Greek drama, particularly in tragedies. Here are a few notable examples:

"The Eumenides" by Aeschylus: In the final play of Aeschylus' Oresteia trilogy, the Furies, representing the ancient concept of revenge, pursue Orestes for killing his mother, Clytemnestra. The play reaches a climax when the goddess Athena intervenes and establishes a court trial, bringing an end to the cycle of bloodshed. Athena's intervention can be seen as a deus ex machina, resolving the conflict between Orestes and the Furies.

"The Frogs" by Aristophanes: This comedic play by Aristophanes features a journey to the underworld by the god Dionysus in search of a great playwright to revive Athenian theater. In the final act, Dionysus is faced with a dilemma of choosing between two playwrights, Aeschylus and Euripides. However, the god Heracles suddenly appears and decides the winner, serving as a deus ex machina to resolve the conflict and determine the outcome.

"Ion" by Euripides: In this play, Ion is the illegitimate son of Apollo and Creusa, who was abandoned at birth. The play follows Ion's quest for identity and reunion with his mother. Towards the end, just as Creusa is about to kill Ion, Apollo intervenes and reveals the truth of their relationship. Apollo's sudden appearance and revelation serve as a deus ex machina, resolving the central mystery and bringing about a resolution.

"Hippolytus" by Euripides: In this tragedy, the goddess Aphrodite is angered by Hippolytus, who spurns her and devotes himself to Artemis. As a result, Aphrodite seeks revenge by causing Phaedra, Hippolytus' stepmother, to fall in love with him. The play reaches a crisis when Phaedra falsely accuses Hippolytus of assaulting her. At this point, Theseus, Hippolytus' father, arrives and discovers the truth, leading to a tragic resolution. Theseus' arrival and revelation serve as a deus ex machina, bringing about the final twist in the play.

These examples demonstrate the varied use of deus ex machina in ancient Greek drama. The device was often employed to resolve complex conflicts or dilemmas, introduce unexpected plot twists, and explore themes of divine intervention and human agency. While the use of deus ex machina has been subject to criticism, it remains an intriguing aspect of ancient Greek theatrical tradition.

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