Euripides › Ion
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Euripides

Ion

drama

A young man raised in a temple discovers he is the abandoned son of a god and an Athenian princess. Ion is Euripides at his most intricate — a recognition plot that keeps reversing until the last moment.

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Acts

  • Prologue

    Hermes reveals: Apollo raped Creusa. She abandoned the baby. Ion has grown up at Delphi, not knowing his parentage.

    81 lines
  • Parodos

    The chorus marvels at the temple sculptures.

    167 lines
  • First Episode

    Ion and Creusa meet without knowing they are mother and son.

    218 lines
  • First Stasimon

    The chorus reflects on childlessness and the pain of women who suffer in secret.

    58 lines
  • Second Episode

    The oracle tells Xuthus that Ion is his son. The chorus is furious on Creusa's behalf.

    199 lines
  • Second Stasimon

    The chorus accuses Apollo of unfairness.

    44 lines
  • Third Episode

    Creusa reveals her secret: Apollo raped her and she abandoned the child. Her rage at the god is one of Euripides' most powerful speeches.

    330 lines
  • The Plot and Reversal

    Creusa tries to poison Ion. The plot fails. Ion discovers it and pursues her to the altar.

    58 lines
  • Exodos

    The Pythia intervenes with the cradle. Creusa recognises it. Athena confirms: Ion is Apollo's son, ancestor of the Ionians.

    533 lines
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