The Frogs : Summary

Summary

Background

The Frogs by Aristophanes is one of the finest examples of ancient Greek “Old Comedy.” The play was written in the late 5th century BCE, a time when Athens was deeply troubled by the Peloponnesian War. During this period, Athens was not only suffering from political instability but also from cultural and moral decline. Through his satirical works, Aristophanes often criticized society and politics, and The Frogs stands as one of the most important examples of such criticism.

The play was first staged in 405 BCE at the City Dionysia festival in Athens. This grand dramatic festival was dedicated to the god Dionysus, where both comedies and tragedies were performed. Remarkably, The Frogs won first prize in that year’s competition, which proves its immense popularity and influence.

The story of the play centers on the god Dionysus. He feels that Athens lacks great tragic poets and so decides to journey to the underworld to bring back the dead poet Euripides. On the way, he experiences humorous adventures, including the famous “Frog Chorus,” which delighted the audience. In the underworld, Dionysus arranges a contest between two great tragic poets, Aeschylus and Euripides, where their dramatic techniques and literary philosophies are compared. In the end, Dionysus concludes that Athens needs a stronger voice, and therefore, he chooses to bring Aeschylus back.

The Frogs is not merely a comic play but also an important document of ancient literary criticism. It shows that in Greek society, poets and dramatists were regarded as moral guides of the nation. At the same time, Aristophanes powerfully expresses, through satire, the importance of art and literature during times of political crisis.

 Summary

Dionysus’ Visit to Heracles: At the beginning of the comedy, the god Dionysus enters the stage with his slave Xanthias. Dionysus is the god of drama, wine, fertility, and joy, but Aristophanes presents him here as a cowardly, funny, and peculiar character. Xanthias was carrying a load on the back of a donkey, while Dionysus held Heracles’ club and wore Heracles’ lion-skin cloak. In fact, Dionysus wanted to pretend to be brave, so he dressed himself like Heracles. But his cowardice is revealed again and again, which becomes one of the main sources of comedy throughout the play. On their journey, the two amuse themselves by asking each other riddles, making the atmosphere light and humorous. Finally, they arrive at Heracles’ house. Seeing Dionysus dressed in his own outfit, Heracles is at first astonished and then bursts into loud laughter. This comic scene delights the audience and strengthens the playful atmosphere of the play.

After this, Dionysus reveals his true purpose. He explains that he wants to go to the underworld to bring back the recently deceased dramatist Euripides. Dionysus feels that Athens now lacks a good poet, and someone like Euripides could save the city culturally. Therefore, he wishes to know the proper way to the underworld. Since Heracles is the only hero who once went to Hades alive and returned (during his quest to bring back Cerberus), Dionysus seeks his guidance.

Thus, the play begins with Dionysus’ cowardice, humorous behavior, and dialogue with Heracles, which creates a lively comic atmosphere. At the same time, this scene lays the foundation for the main plot: the journey to the underworld and the contest of poets to bring Euripides back.

Dionysus’ Journey to the Underworld: Following the instructions of Heracles, the god Dionysus sets out on the path to the underworld, accompanied by his faithful slave Xanthias. Their journey, however, takes different routes because of the strict rules for crossing the river Styx. The ferryman Charon, who carries the souls of the dead, had a clear rule: no slaves would be allowed in his boat. So, Dionysus gets into the boat to be ferried across, while Xanthias is forced to walk along the riverbank to reach the other side.

As Dionysus sits in the boat, he suddenly hears a strange sound: “Brekekekex koax koax!” It is the famous chorus of frogs. The frogs croak together, sing, and fill the river with their voices. At first, Dionysus feels annoyed, but then he joins in with them, which makes the entire scene extremely funny and entertaining. This is one of the most famous parts of The Frogs and a brilliant example of Aristophanes’ comic genius.

Finally, Dionysus reaches the opposite shore and reunites with Xanthias. But another terrifying experience awaits them. Suddenly, they encounter the monstrous Empusa. This demon had the power of changing forms: in a moment, it appeared as a cow, then as a donkey, and then as a blazing flame of fire. Dionysus trembles in fear and becomes utterly terrified, while Xanthias mocks him and makes fun of his cowardice. This scene not only intensifies the comedy of the play but also highlights the weakness and cowardly nature of Dionysus, which is the main target of Aristophanes’ satire throughout the drama.

The Story at the Gates of the Underworld: At last, Dionysus and his slave Xanthias arrive at the gates of Pluto’s palace, the king of the underworld. There, they are confronted by the furious gatekeeper, Aeacus. The reason for his rage is that Dionysus is still wearing the costume of Heracles. Aeacus mistakes him for Heracles, the very hero who once captured the terrifying three-headed dog Cerberus from the underworld. Because of that past event, Aeacus still bears a grudge, and now he sees the chance to take revenge. Dionysus trembles in fear. To escape danger, he quickly takes off the costume and hands it over to Xanthias.

Now, dressed as Heracles, Xanthias is approached by the slave-girls of the underworld. They welcome him with garlands of flowers, joy, and beauty, believing him to be Heracles. Xanthias begins to act proudly. But Dionysus, burning with jealousy, again exchanges costumes so that he too can enjoy the affection and delights of the maidens.

Soon after, Aeacus and the other guards return and arrest them. They believe that Heracles has come again to cause new trouble in the underworld. Dionysus, terrified once more, hastily strips off the costume and gives it back to Xanthias. Thus, the comic swapping of clothes happens again and again. Finally, Aeacus grows angry and demands, “Which one of you is the god and which is the slave?” In order to save themselves, both Dionysus and Xanthias shout together, “I am the god!” The guards become confused. As a solution, they decide not to waste time but simply whip them both equally.

The audience bursts into laughter, because here Dionysus’ cowardice is made completely clear, while Xanthias’ wit and bravery shine even more brightly in contrast. This scene is one of the most comical moments of The Frogs, displaying Aristophanes’ remarkable talent for satire and humor.

The Contest Between the Poets: At last, Dionysus and his slave Xanthias go deep into the underworld and find two great tragic poets, Euripides and Aeschylus, locked in a fierce debate. Each insists that he is Athens’ greatest dramatist and the true poet. The responsibility of settling this quarrel falls upon Pluto, king of the underworld. He announces that Dionysus will serve as judge. The contest begins. Euripides and Aeschylus quote lines from each other’s works and criticize them sharply. They mock each other on several grounds:

• Simplicity of language versus epic grandeur,
• Complexity of meter and rhythm,
• Strength or weakness of plot construction,
• Power of character portrayal,
• And above all, moral values.

Euripides stands for logic, realism, and modern thought, while Aeschylus defends ancient heroism, religious faith, and epic dignity. Dionysus then proposes an unusual test: the poet whose verses weigh heavier on the scale will be the true victor. In one pan are placed the lines of Euripides, in the other, those of Aeschylus. It is seen that Aeschylus’ lines are weighty and profound, while Euripides’ lines are light and simple. This becomes a highly dramatic scene for the audience, where the figurative “weight” of poetry is literally measured.

Yet Dionysus remains undecided for some time, for he personally preferred Euripides. He loved Euripides’ wit and sharp humor. But when the critical question is asked—“Who can save Athens from the crisis of the Peloponnesian War?”—both poets answer. Euripides offers solutions of strategy, planning, and practical reality, but Aeschylus emphasizes moral strength, discipline, tradition, and ancient values. Dionysus then realizes that Athens needs not modern reasoning, but the firmness and wisdom of Aeschylus.

Therefore, Dionysus declares Aeschylus the winner. Pluto accepts this judgment and grants Aeschylus permission to return to the world with Dionysus. Before leaving, Aeschylus requests Pluto: “If in my absence another poet must occupy my seat in the underworld, let it be Sophocles, not Euripides.” In this way, he honors Sophocles’ greatness while mocking Euripides with a final touch of satire.