War has imprisoned the goddess Peace in a cave and is preparing to throw the Greek cities into a huge pestle and give them a terrible pounding. At that moment, Trygaeus, a vine-keeper, ascends to heaven with the god Hermes and calls upon the Greeks to set Peace free. The liberation of the goddess Peace, along with Opora, the goddess of fruitfulness, and Theoria, the goddess of festivals, comprises the heart of the play. The comedy ends with the return to earth of the triumphant Trygaeus, who brings the goddess Peace back to men.