The cycle of revenge in the Agamemnon family continues as the ghost of Clytemnestra calls upon the Furies to seek vengeance on her son, Orestes. The gods step in to prevent any more violence, and Athena declares that she will preside over a trial in which Orestes stands accused of matricide, with Apollo acting in his defense. After the acquittal of Orestes, the Furies threaten mass destruction and chaos in response to what they deem to be a vile injustice. But after Athena quiets their rage with compassionate speeches, calm is once more restored after generations of violence and hatred. The chorus exits triumphantly in celebration of peace and justice.