The Classic Myths in English Literature and in Art (2nd ed.) (1911) / Based Originally on Bulfinch's "Age of Fable" (1855)

by Charles Mills Gayley; Thomas Bulfinch

Fig. 169. Orestes and Pylades before the King of the Tauri

230. His Purification. But Orestes was not yet relieved from the vengeance of the Erinyes. Finally, he took refuge with Minerva at Athens. The goddess afforded him protection and appointed the court of Areopagus to decide his fate. The Erinyes brought their accusation, and Orestes pleaded the command of the Delphic oracle as his excuse. When the court voted and the voices were equally divided, Orestes was acquitted by the command of Minerva. He was then purified with plentiful blood of swine.

FOOTNOTES:

[311] § 128.

[312] Pausanias, 5, 11, § 2; and Sophocles, Philoctetes, 445.

[313] Virgil, Æneid, 6, 57.

[314] Statius, Achilleid, 1, 269.