CHRYSOTHEMIS (daughter of Agamemnon)

Sent by her mother to perform funeral libations for their father, Chrysothemis visited the ancestral tomb and later entered from the house carrying funeral offerings and joyous news.^2,3,4,5 She informed Electra that Orestes was present and plainly visible, claiming to have personally seen clear proofs of his presence and swearing by their father's hearth that her report was not a mockery.^6,4

She advised her sister to bend before the strong and maintain a prudent mind, arguing that their feminine nature and insufficient strength made senseless action dangerous.^7,5,2 Chrysothemis warned that plotting against a powerful man would lead to destruction and that forethought was helpful in a crisis, refusing to assist Electra in carrying out the planned deed.^8,7

The sisters engaged in a heated disagreement, with Chrysothemis criticizing Electra for arming herself with rashness and pleading with her to restrain her rage to avoid total destruction.^7,5,8 Chrysothemis claimed she was accustomed to receiving insults from Electra but did not hate her with great intensity, asserting she had the power to help while Electra lacked the ability to listen and learn.^7,9,3 She promised to keep Electra's words secret and harmless, yet ultimately refused to be persuaded to agree with Electra's stance, observing that her sister seemed to agree with nothing she said.^8,7,5

Chrysothemis predicted that Electra would later approve and commend her advice after facing trouble and disaster, expressing sadness about their difficult circumstances with less restraint than Electra.^7,10,1,2 She admitted that their mother killed their father because of fear from a night vision, yet claimed their father pardons her for her actions.⁵ After the disagreement, Chrysothemis left the scene and entered the house, moving on to where she was sent and exiting the stage on the spectators' right side.^10,5,11