Podcast Summary: Ascend - The Great Books Podcast Episode: Aeschylus' Oresteia: Libation Bearers Explained Part One
Release Date: February 4, 2025
Hosts: Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan
Guest: Thomas Lackey
Duration: Approximately 90 minutes

Introduction

In this episode of Ascend - The Great Books Podcast, hosts Deacon Harrison Garlick and Adam Minihan, along with their recurring guest Thomas Lackey, delve into the second play of Aeschylus's Oresteia, titled Libation Bearers. Released on February 4, 2025, this episode marks the first part of their detailed exploration of the play, focusing on themes of justice, intercessory prayer, and familial dynamics within the context of Greek and Hebrew traditions.

Overview of Episode's Themes

The discussion centers around Orestes' return home and his reunion with his sister Electra. The hosts explore Electra's internal struggle with prayer and its implications as a foreshadowing of Orestes' role as the Blood Avenger. Significant attention is given to the concept of intercessory prayer, its roots in Greek and Hebrew cultures, and its connection to Catholic intellectual traditions.

Notable Quote:

[00:00] Deacon Harrison Garlick: "Today on Ascend the Great Books Podcast, we are discussing the Libation Bearers, the second play in Aeschylus's Oresteia."

Characters and Their Motivations

Electra and Orestes:

• Electra is portrayed as deeply conflicted, torn between her duty to honor her murdered father and her abhorrence of her mother’s actions.
• Orestes is depicted as the central avenger, struggling with the moral implications of his mission to avenge his father's death by killing his mother, Clytemnestra.

Clytemnestra and Aegisthus:

• Clytemnestra, the queen, is analyzed as a manipulative figure whose actions are driven by power rather than genuine justice.
• Aegisthus, her lover, is examined for his role in the familial turmoil, highlighting the complexities of justice and vengeance.

Justice and the Cycle of Vengeance

A primary focus is the primitive form of justice depicted in the play, characterized by lex talionis ("an eye for an eye") and the unending cycle of blood vengeance. The hosts discuss how Aeschylus critiques this system, illustrating its inherent flaws and the perpetual turmoil it fosters.

Notable Quotes:

[02:30] Adam Minihan: "I'm just going to guess that ours is more serious than most because we’re really, we're going line by line... I could have read this 10 times and I'd have never thought of that."

[14:00] Deacon Harrison Garlick: "Justice is a virtue... This is really the heart of the whole Oresteia."

Intercessory Prayer and Cultural Parallels

The hosts delve into the concept of intercessory prayer, comparing its portrayal in Greek culture with its developments in Hebrew traditions. They ponder whether the robust system of intercessory prayer in Libation Bearers influenced Hebrew thought prior to Christianity or emerged independently.

Notable Quotes:

[30:51] Adam Minihan: "She's stuck between these two conflicted duties... what we might call a filial piety towards her parents."

[41:46] Deacon Harrison Garlick: "Intercessory prayer is much thicker than what we saw in Homer... it's like pouring out libations for your murdered father to pray for justice."

Literary and Theological Insights

The episode draws parallels between Libation Bearers and other literary works, including Shakespeare’s tragedies like Hamlet and Macbeth. The discussion highlights how Aeschylus’s treatment of themes like vengeance and justice influenced later Western literature and theological thought.

Notable Quotes:

[26:42] Deacon Harrison Garlick: "We have to understand that the eye for an eye is a form of justice. It’s a limitation that the blood vengeance can't go past what was taken."

[60:04] Deacon Harrison Garlick: "We have to see these two cultures maturing in these understandings until finally Providence decides that Christ can come in the fullness of time."

Conclusion and Wrap-Up

As the episode winds down, the hosts summarize their analysis of Libation Bearers, emphasizing the play's exploration of imperfect justice and the need for a higher standard to break the cycle of vengeance. They hint at upcoming discussions in Part Two, where Orestes assumes the role of the Blood Avenger and the impending confrontation with the Furies.

Notable Quotes:

[79:03] Adam Minihan: "Aeschylus is brilliant because he’s pointing out that justice requires a standard beyond the cycle of blood vengeance."

[90:36] Thomas Lackey: "It's a question that I'd like to explore more: the robust understanding of intercessory prayer among the Greeks and its impact on Hebrew thought."

Key Takeaways

• Justice vs. Vengeance: The Libation Bearers critiques the primitive justice system of blood vengeance, highlighting its endless cycle and lack of true resolution.
• Intercessory Prayer: The play presents a sophisticated system of intercessory prayer, bridging the living and the dead, which parallels later theological developments in Christianity.
• Character Depth: Electra and Orestes embody the moral and emotional conflicts inherent in seeking justice within a flawed system.
• Literary Influence: Aeschylus’s themes and character dynamics have profound influences on Western literature and philosophical thought, as evidenced by parallels to Shakespearean tragedies and Catholic teachings.

Resources Mentioned

• Free Guides: The hosts offer a free 115 Question & Answer Guide to the Iliad authored by Deacon Harrison Garlick, available on their upcoming website launch.
• Patreon: Listeners are encouraged to support and access additional resources at patreon.com/thegreatbooks.

Final Thoughts

This episode serves as a comprehensive introduction to Libation Bearers, setting the stage for deeper explorations of Greek tragedy, justice, and the interplay between ancient philosophies and modern interpretations. Listeners are invited to engage with the material, join discussions, and explore the Great Books through both the podcast and provided resources.

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