Off-stage, the desperate screams of the children echo as they futilely attempt to flee their mother's lethal blade. Jason hastily emerges from the royal palace, determined to save his sons from the Corinthians' fury. The Chorus informs him of the horrifying reality.

In utter despair, Jason charges at the palace doors. Still, Medea has already ascended to its rooftop in her celestial chariot, carrying the lifeless bodies of their sons. (The sun god had gifted her the chariot for her safety, rendering her untouchable to Jason while aboard.) In response to Jason's vehement string of curses, Medea states that the gods bore witness to his actions that warranted this retribution.

Subsequently, a stichomythic exchange ensues between Jason and Medea as they both try to inflict more pain on the other. However, Jason's lamentations only alleviate Medea's suffering. She denies his final plea to obtain their sons' corpses, fearing her foes would desecrate their graves. Instead, she will transport them to Hera's temple in Corinth, where an annual commemoration will be established in their memory. She then plans to seek refuge in Aegeus' palace in Athens, under his assurance of royal sanctuary. Medea foretells a disgraceful and inglorious demise for Jason.

The play concludes with Jason lamenting that he had never encountered Medea or fathered children with her, praying to the gods to acknowledge his torment.