003 - Scene III

Set against the backdrop of a war-torn Athens, Peace unfolds four years after The Acharnians, capturing the heartfelt longing of its citizens for an end to the suffering caused by conflict. Our hero, Trygaeus, a passionate rustic, finds himself disillusioned with the inaction of mankind. Determined to seek justice, he embarks on an extraordinary journey to the heavens, riding a colossal dung-beetle to confront Zeus himself. Upon reaching Olympus, he discovers that the gods are absent, leaving only the embodiment of War, who is relentless in his destruction of the Greek city-states. Yet, Trygaeuss quest is not in vain; upon learning from Hermes that the goddess Peace has been imprisoned, he rallies the people of Hellas to unite and liberate her. Their efforts culminate in a triumphant return to Earth, where Peace is celebrated alongside the joyous rural populace and Trygaeuss marriage to Opora, the charming handmaiden of Peace. Notably, this play also reflects on the recently deceased demagogue Cleon, showcasing Aristophaness ability to blend humor with a magnanimous spirit in the face of former foes. - Summary by publisher