The Age of Greek TragedyIn Athens, in the last thirty years of the 6th century BC, playwrights began to create the first drama in all of Europe, Greek tragedy (Sifakis, “Greek Tragedy”). Although the products of the movement are now considered works of literature to be read, they were originally plays intended to be performed on stage. The tragedies were primarily derived from stories about their gods, such as Hades, Zeus, and Nyx. At that time, the stories of these immortals were passed down from generation to generation in the form of history and not fairy tales. The Greeks believed that the stories were those of their ancestors and revered them as much as people today revere the Bible or any other religious text. However, Dionysus is the god whose cult dominated the Greek tragic era (Sifakis, “Greek Tragedy”). Dionysus was not only the god of wine but also of theater, which is why the Greeks sought to grant him special honor. This honor did not last long at the time, however, and the plays quickly lost their Dionysian qualities shortly after the birth of the movement (Sifakis, “Greek Tragedy”). Thespis was the first poet to write a Greek tragedy, but the first performances of tragedies in the city of Dionysia were not recorded until twenty-five years later (Sifakis, “Greek Tragedy”). The close bond that united the people with their multitude of gods fueled the fire that allowed the popularity of tragedies to grow. The Greek caste system was set in stone and their moral ethics were mostly universal in nature, as were their views on the different genders. The tragedies took these things and emphasized them in their plays, creating themes from contemporary ideas that went against the normal social and political views of the Greeks. ...... middle of paper ...... swearing creature” (Euripides, Medea – Medea and other plays, line 1 324). Medea is probably the most controversial and complex female character of the Greek tragic era, as she refuses to stay within the confines of ancient Greek social classes, suggesting that women can be found more capable than men. Works Cited Sifakis, GM “Greek Tragedy.” Encyclopedia of death and dying. Advameg, Inc. 2011. Web. March 27, 2011.Euripides. Medea - Medea and other plays. United States: Oxford University Press, 2009. Print.Euripides. Hippolyte – Medea and other plays. United States: Oxford University Press, 2009. Print.Sophocles. Oedipus the King – Three Theban coins. New York: Barnes & Noble Books, 2007. Print. MacLennan, Bruce. “Typical structure of a tragedy.” Typical structure of a Greek play. University of Tennessee, Knoxville. September 4, 1999. Web. April 2. 2011.