| Popis: |
The objective of this thesis is to reinterpret traditional views of the introduction and manipulation of the Homeric epics in Athens during the sixth and fifth centuries B.C. by focusing in on the minor Athenian heroes of the Trojan War – Menestheus the Homeric hero and Akamas and Demophon, the local Athenian heroes and the sons of Theseus. Chapter 1 analyzes the possible origins of these heroes within the mythic tradition. Chapter 2 examines the possible modes of transmission of the Homeric epics through time and how these epics eventually came to be introduced to Athens. Chapter 3 looks at all the iconographical and literary evidence involving Menestheus and the Theseïdai. The growing popularity of Theseus (and by association, his sons) together with Kleisthenes’ tribal reforms would lead to the vilification and obscuration of Menestheus in Athenian art and literature, even in light of Homer’s prestige. |
