Xanthias and one of the slaves from Plouton’s palace enter, bonding over the delight both take in cursing and gossiping about their masters behind their backs. Xanthias hears Aischylos and Euripides quarreling. The slave explains that Euripides, since arriving in Hades, has challenged Aischylos for his throne as the best tragedian, and Plouton will stage a contest to determine the winner. Their words will be weighed using a pair of scales. Aghast, Xanthias ask who can judge such a contest, and the slave reveals Dionysos has been chosen as most equipped. The Chorus sings a verse introducing the contest to follow. Aischylos and Euripides, mid-argument, enter with Dionysos.

Aischylos and Euripides exchange insults. Dionysos mediates their contest, praying that he can judge fairly. The Chorus sings a hymn to the Muses, and Dionysos invites both poets to offer their own prayers. Aischylos (who was from the region of Eleusis) prays to Demeter. Euripides says that he prefers not to pray since he has personal gods. Dionysos invites him to pray “to your private gods” (209).