True Nature of Medea: Myths and Realities of Her Actions

Why Did Medea Kill Her Sons?

It is often stated inaccurately that Medea killed her own children, a misconception perpetuated by some sources. In reality, this tragic detail was a later alteration by the playwright Euripides. The story of Medea, a prominent character in Greek mythology, has been adapted and reinterpreted many times over the centuries, significantly by Euripides in his play, Medea. This essay delves into the origins and complexities of Medea's actions, particularly focusing on why she might have decided to 'kill' her sons.

Medea's Journey: From Princess to Exile

Medea was initially a young princess in the kingdom of Colchis, located on the Black Sea. She fell in love with Jason, a daring and adventurous Greek hero. This union was marked by unfathomable loyalty and sacrifice from Medea. She aided Jason in reclaiming the Golden Fleece, a legendary treasure guarded by a dragon. To assist him in his quest, she employed her magical and cunning skills, cutting ties with her family and country to embark on a perilous journey to Greece.

Ruthless and Proven

Upon reaching Greece, Medea continued to demonstrate her valor and ingenuity. She employed her prowess in magic to help Jason defeat his political rival, Pelias, and secure the throne of Iolcus. This feat established her as a formidable and indispensable partner to Jason. However, Medea's actions during these tumultuous times laid the groundwork for her role as a muse of both triumph and tragedy. Her allegiance to Jason was not only to love but also to the means by which she secured their future.

The Betrayal and Medea's Fury

Medea's internal struggle reached its climax when she discovered that Jason was seeking association with a new woman. In a society where women had limited agency and power, such betrayal would have been incomparably devastating. For Medea, losing everything to Jason—her family, her home, and her identity in his new land—led to a profound feeling of humiliation and betrayal. It is said that Euripides changed Medea's character in his play, depicting her as a woman who kills her sons to punish her husband, a detail that might have been added to align with the expectations of his male audience.

The Patriarchal Society's Influence

The myth of Medea, like many ancient Greek myths, reflects the societal norms and values of the time. Women in ancient Greece had virtually no political or social power, which accounts for Medea's depiction as both exotic and formidable. The gods and goddesses of this era, such as Hera, despite her power and status, were often portrayed as victims of male infidelity. This reflects the patriarchal structure of society and how women were often treated in these myths.

Authorial Intent and Critical Viewing

Despite the historical context, the decision to depict Medea as a murderer of her children by Euripides and later dramatists might have been influenced by the need to fit the narrative within the framework of a dramatic contest. Portraying Medea as murdering her husband would not have been appropriate, given the societal norms and the expectations of a male audience. However, depicting her as murdering her offspring would not only be shocking but also align with the audience's perception of her character—exotic, ruthless, and unpredictable.

It is essential to view these myths through a critical lens, understanding the context and the evolution of their portrayal over time. While Medea has often been seen as a tragic figure, her actions, as depicted in different versions of the myth, provide a window into the complexities of love, betrayal, and the societal constraints faced by women in ancient Greece.