opera), his wife Phaedra (Phèdre) and Theseus' son by another woman, Hippolytus. The latter is in love with a young woman, Aricia, but she is the daughter of Theseus's enemy, Pallas. Aricia is the last of the Pallantids, and as such is held captive by Theseus and has been sentenced to take a vow of chastity to Diana. Before she does so, she and Hippolytus reveal mutual love to each other and, defying the will of Phaedra, the priestesses of Diana proclaim that it is unlawful to force her to dedicate her heart to the goddess when it already belongs to another. Phaedra, incensed by the disobedience of the priestesses, threatens to destroy the temple. The high priestess appeals to the gods, and the goddess Diana descends and rebukes Phaedra, forcing her to leave the temple. Phaedra leaves with her only confidant, Oenone, and vents her frustration at the situation. Phaedra, Theseus second wife, has been nursing an illicit desire for her stepson. Arcas brings news that Theseus has made a journey to the Underworld and is likely dead. This means Phaedra may pursue Hippolytus and offer him the marriage and the crown of Athens. Act 2 Hades, the Underworld Theseus descends to Hades to rescue his friend Pirithous, who has been captured when he tried to seduce Pluto (Pluton)'s wife, Proserpina(Proserpine). Theseus has a special advantage: his father, the god Neptune, has promised to answer his prayers on three occasions during his life. The first prayer Theseus makes is to be allowed to reach Hades. At the entrance, he fights with the Fury Tisiphone, but makes it through to Pluto's court. Pluto denies Theseus' request to trade or share the fate of his friend, but allows a trial. When Theseus again loses, he calls on Neptune to free him (his second prayer), and Pluto is powerless to hold him back. As Theseus leaves, however, the Fates (Les Parques) foretell that Theseus may leave Hades but he will find Hell in his own household. Act 3 Theseus's palace by the sea Phaedra is living a life cursed by Venus for the mistakes of her mother, Pasiphae, who had an affair with the Minotaur; Phaedra is the product of this bestial affair. She meets with Hippolytus, who offers his condolences on her bereavement and swears fidelity to her as a queen as well as abdicating the throne to the son of