The aim of this study is to examine certain specific areas of chthonic cult in ancient Greece and relate them to the works of Aeschylus, in the hope that by this we may shed some light not only on the work of Aeschylus but also on chthonic religion in general. The audience Aeschylus wrote for were the people of Athens, who besides worshipping Zeus and the Olympian gods, held in great respect local spirits and divinities, with whom many of the Olympians quite often became associated. Consequently the original cult sometimes became obscured by the presence of the Olympians. These local spirits had been present in their respective places of worship from time immemorial and although they had never become universal throughout Greece, were very close to the hearts of the common people. / Thesis / Master of Arts (MA)

Chapter One of this thesis explores the identity of the Eumenides, the resident deities in Sophocles' Oedipus at Colonus. By examining the language and contents of two important ritual acts in the play, it is proven that their title is euphemistic; these goddesses are the transformed Erinyes of Aeschylus. / Oedipus and his sinfulness is the focus of Chapter Two. Although he has committed the heinous crimes of incest and parricide, Oedipus seems to be exempt from the Erinyes' hounding. By reviewing the charges laid against him, it is revealed that Oedipus is a morally innocent man. / The final chapter deals with Oedipus' apotheosis and the role played by the Eumenides. By examining the play's dramatic action, it is demonstrated that Oedipus, a man of innate heroic nature, is deserving of heroization. But to reach his exalted end, the championship of the Eumenides is required.

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