A very hot day, I am snoozing on Himaro's terrace, in front of the mountain. Philippa gives me some iced sour cherry syrup and puts a book in my hands. I leaf through it and find the myth of Orestes.

Orestes is in big trouble. His mother Clytemnestra has just murdered his father Agamemnon. Tradition demands that a son avenges his father, but killing his mother is the most terrible crime you can do. Pushed by an oracle and by his sister Electra, he ends up committing matricide.

Outraged, the gods condemn him to be pursued by demonic goddesses, the Erinyes. They haunt him, overwhelm him incessantly with insults and treacherous words. They are gnawing at his brains. Orestes has no more rest. Fleeing the company of his fellows, he leaves for a long trip. But no matter where he goes, the Erinyes are still there.

Years later, Orestes returned to Athens. He asks to be heard by the citizens assembly in order to be granted an amnesty. Apollo appears for his defense, pointing out that the gods instigated this crime through the oracle. Orestes thanks Apollo and the gods for their frankness, but prefers to take the full responsibility for his act. It was neither the gods nor his sister who killed his mother, but himself. Nobody has made the choice for him.

Gods and men are impressed by Orestes' aplomb and honesty. He is absolved of his crime and the Erinyes are transformed into Eumenides, benevolent goddesses who will guide him from now.

Confront onself to oneself is essential.
Take responsibility for its actions and choices, as well.