Aeschylus
Tragedias
"Tragedias" by Aeschylus is a collection of ancient Greek dramatic works written in the 5th century BC. This collection prominently features themes of fate, divine justice, and the struggles of humanity against overwhelming odds, centralizing the character Prometheus, who defies the gods to assist mankind. Aeschylus's tragedies delve into the consequences of moral choices and the inescapable nature of fate. At the start of "Tragedias," we are introduced to the character of Prometheus, who is punished by Zeus for stealing fire from the gods and giving it to humanity. The opening scene depicts the binding of Prometheus by the deities Cratos and Bia under the order of Zeus, establishing his tragic plight. As Prometheus laments his fate, he reflects on his past actions and the immense suffering he endures as a result of his compassion for mortals. The dialogue between Prometheus and the Chorus explores themes of hope, despair, and the inevitable consequences of defiance against the divine will, setting the stage for the profound moral and philosophical inquiries that characterize Aeschylus's work.