Medea

The story of Jason and Medea is a classic myth of love and betrayal. Medea, a princess and priestess of Colchis, falls in love with a foreigner, Jason, who has come to steal her country's most sacred religious symbol, a Golden Fleece. Because of her desire for Jason, Medea helps him take the fleece, and in return Jason promises to marry her. As they flee the country, Medea kills her brother and scatters pieces of …

…warning, a story of a woman who refuses her obligations, and in doing so, destroys her future. This myth was important for Athenian women, especially at times of war, when their husbands are away and foreigners are near, and the need to replenish the population and support their society is desperate. Therefore, Euripides made Medea kill her children to remind women that if they act as Medea does, they are killing their children as well.