Medea: Translated and Annotated by Gilbert Murray

The influence of Euripides on the development of the dramatic genre is immense and cannot be overstated. He, along with Sophocles and Aeschylus, is considered one of the three great Greek tragedians from classical antiquity. One of Euripides’ most significant surviving dramas is “Medea”, which tells the story of the titular character, the wife of Jason of the Argonauts, who seeks vengeance on her unfaithful husband after he leaves her for another woman. Taking place in Corinth after Jason’s quest for the Golden Fleece, the play begins with Medea expressing her anger towards Jason's decision to marry Glauce, Creon's daughter and the King of Corinth. Although Jason tries to justify his decision by claiming it will enhance his status and promises to make Medea his mistress afterward, she remains unconvinced and instead chooses a path of murderous retaliation.

The play was met with controversy due to its portrayal of Medea killing her own children as part of her revenge, a departure from the more traditional expectation of the Corinthians carrying out the act after Medea's departure. Despite the initial unfavorable reaction from the Athenian audience, “Medea” has since become recognized as one of the most important tragedies of classical antiquity. This edition, translated and annotated by Gilbert Murray, is printed on high-quality acid-free paper.

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