1.

Record Nr.

UNINA9910450423003321

Autore

Walker Henry J. <1959->

Titolo

Theseus and Athens [[electronic resource] /] / Henry J. Walker

Pubbl/distr/stampa

New York, : Oxford University Press, 1995

ISBN

1-280-44300-6

1-4237-3581-1

0-19-535837-6

1-60129-976-1

Descrizione fisica

1 online resource (235 p.)

Disciplina

880.9/351

Soggetti

Greek literature - Greece - Athens - History and criticism

Theseus (Greek mythology) in literature

Kings and rulers in literature

Heroes in literature

Electronic books.

Athens (Greece) Civilization

Lingua di pubblicazione

Inglese

Formato

Materiale a stampa

Livello bibliografico

Monografia

Note generali

Description based upon print version of record.

Nota di bibliografia

Includes bibliographical references (p. 207-215) and index.

Nota di contenuto

Contents; 1. Myth and Ritual: Hero Worship in Greece and the Origins of the Theseus Myth; 2. Benevolent Dictators and the Paradox of a Democratic King; 3. The Trozenian Outsider; 4. The Hero-King; 5. The Democratic Ruler; 6. Theseus at Colonus; 7. Theseus Enters History; Bibliography; Index

Sommario/riassunto

Theseus is celebrated as the greatest of Athenian heroes. This work explores what he meant to the Athenians at the height of their city-state in the fifth century B.C. Assembling material that has been scattered in scholarly works, Henry Walker examines the evidence for the development of the myth and cult of Theseus in the archaic age. He then looks to major works of classical literature in which Theseus figures, exploring the contradictions between the archaic, primitive side of his character and his refurbished image as the patron of democracy. His ambiguous nature as outsider, flouting acc