Aegeus Character Analysis in Medea

Aegeus is the king of Athens and, apparently, an old friend of Medea's. He is childless and eagerly desires the children Medea promises to help him and his wife to have. He serves little purpose in the play other than to provide Medea with a place of refuge in Athens, though his desire for children serves as a powerful contrast to Medea's ultimate choice to kill her own children.

Aegeus Character Timeline in Medea

The timeline below shows where the character Aegeus appears in Medea. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.

Aegeus, the king of Athens, enters and wishes his friend, Medea, joy. She wishes him joy... (full context)

Medea wishes Aegeus success. Then he notices her wan look and vexed condition. She recounts Jason's betrayals. Aegeus... (full context)

Aegeus says he is keen to help Medea for the gods' and for the promise of... (full context)

Aegeus compliments Medea on her foresight and gives her his oath on the gods she names,... (full context)

...and Justice that she will triumph over her enemies. She acknowledges the fortunate coincidence of Aegeus' arrival and takes it as a sign from the gods. She reveals her plan to... (full context)

...festival in Corinth to atone for the killing of her children. She will go to Aegeus in Athens, and she prophesizes that Jason will die ignobly, struck on the head by... (full context)