Essay Questions

Who are the gods that are sent down to negotiate with Peisetaerus?

Poseidon, Hercales and Triballians are sent to negotiate on behalf of Zeus, the father of the gods. Triballians is not a traditional god in Greek mythology, and here represents the god to the barbarians and speak incoherently. The three of them compose a comedic sequence that shows the gods willing to give up all of their power and rights without a fight.

Why do Peisetaerus and Euelpides leave Athens?

At the beginning of the play Peisetaerus and Euelpides are seen wondering the rocky wilderness after having left Athens for good. The reason for their departure is that they are finished with the constant arguing of the men in the city over the law. Instead of enduring it another day, they have sought out Tereus, a man who has metamorphosed into a bird in order to show them where and how to live a life away from the Athenian culture.

Why do the gods have to negotiate with Peisetaerus?

Peisetaerus has convinced the birds that they are the true gods of the earth that man should be worshiping by stating in Aesop's tales they came before the gods. This leads the birds to create a city in the sky which will intercept the sacrifices of man bound for the gods of Olympus, and thus cause them to starve and be willing to give up their powers as gods in order to have food.