Metamorphoses · Chapter
Story of Aegeus explained
Medea flees to Athens and marries King Aegeus.
What happens
Medea flees to Athens and marries King Aegeus. When Theseus, Aegeus's son, arrives unrecognized, Medea attempts to poison him. Aegeus recognizes Theseus by his sword and saves him, forcing Medea to flee. Athens celebrates Theseus's heroic deeds, but King Minos of Crete threatens war over the murder of his son Androgeus. Minos seeks allies, while Athens sends Cephalus to secure aid from Aeacus of Aegina, who honors their alliance despite Minos's threats.
Themes in this chapter
Transformation and Metamorphosis
Medea's escape via whirlwind and the transformation of Scyron's bones into a rock illustrate physical changes as consequences of divine or magical intervention.
Violence and Revenge
Minos's threat of war to avenge his son's murder and Medea's attempted poisoning of Theseus drive the plot with themes of retribution and bloodshed.
Fate and Prophecy
Aegeus's recognition of Theseus by the sword at the critical moment suggests a fated reunion, averting tragedy.
Characters to notice
- Medea
Flees from Corinth to Athens, marries Aegeus, and attempts to poison Theseus before being driven away.
- Aegeus
King of Athens who marries Medea, nearly loses his son to poison, and recognizes Theseus by his sword.
- Theseus
Son of Aegeus, arrives at court unrecognized, narrowly avoids being poisoned by Medea, and is celebrated for his heroic deeds.
- Minos
King of Crete who threatens war against Athens to avenge the murder of his son Androgeus.
- Aeacus
King of Aegina who remains faithful to his alliance with Athens despite Minos's demands.
- Cephalus
Athenian ambassador who visits Aeacus to secure military aid against Minos.
- Hercules
Mentioned as Alcides, who dragged Cerberus from the underworld, leading to the origin of the aconite poison.
Key passages
“Here Aegeus so engaging she address'd, That first he treats her like a royal guest, Then takes the sorc'ress for his wedded wife; The only blemish of his prudent life.”
Medea so charmed Aegeus that he first welcomed her as a guest and then married her, which was the one mistake in his otherwise wise life.
Highlights Aegeus's poor judgment in marrying Medea, setting up the conflict with Theseus.
“But mortal bliss will never come sincere: Pleasure may lead, but grief brings up the rear.”
Earthly happiness is never pure; joy is always followed by sorrow.
A moral reflection on the fleeting nature of happiness, as Athens's celebration is soon overshadowed by Minos's threat.
“Assist our arms, raised for a murder'd son; In this religious war no risk you'll run Revenge the dead; for who refuse to give Rest to their urns, unworthy are to live.”
Help us wage war to avenge my murdered son; this is a holy cause, and those who deny the dead their rest do not deserve to live.
Minos's appeal to Aeacus frames the war as a religious duty to honor the dead.