Medea Summary

The play begins with Medea's nurse lamenting the problems of her mistress's fate. Her mistress, Medea, is a non-Greek witch whom Jason found in his search for the Golden Fleece. Medea fell in love with Jason and bore him several children. Jason and Medea traveled to Corinth where, to ensure a home and future for his children, Jason made an agreement with the king of Corinth, Creon, to marry Creon's daughter. Naturally, this prospect enrages Medea and the play begins with Medea's nurse recounting these past events. While gossiping with the tutor, the nurse learns that Creon plans to expel Jason's children. The tutor leaves and the nurse goes to talk with Medea.

Medea curses her husband and his new wife as well as the Kingdom of Corinth and regrets that she has made marriage vows to Jason. The chorus, seeing Medea's rage...