Ancient Greek Religion, Ancient Greek History - Social, Cultural, & Political Aspects, General & Miscellaneous Ancient Greek History, Women's Studies - General & Miscellaneous
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Overview
This is the first book to show that the worship of heroines, as well as of gods and heroes, was widespread in the Greek world from the eighth through the fourth centuries B.C. Drawing upon textual, archaeological, and iconographic evidence as diverse as ancient travel writing, ritual calendars, votive reliefs, and Euripidean drama, Jennifer Larson demonstrates the pervasiveness of heroine cults at every level of Athenian society.Larson reveals that a broad range of heroic cults existed throughout the Greek world, encompassing not only individuals but couples (Pelops and Hippodameia, Alexandra and Agamemnon, Helen and Menelaos) and families such as those of Asklepios and the Dioskouroi. She shows how heroic cults reinforced the Greeks' gender expectations for both women and men through ritual status, iconography, and narrative motifs. Finally, Larson looks at the intersection of heroine cults with specific topics such as myths of maiden sacrifice, the Amazons, the role of the goddess Artemis, and folk beliefs about female "ghosts."
Synopsis
This is the first book to show that the worship of heroines, as well as of gods and heroes, was widespread in the Greek world from the eighth through the fourth centuries B.C. Drawing upon textual, archaeological, and iconographic evidence as diverse as ancient travel writing, ritual calendars, votive reliefs, and Euripidean drama, Jennifer Larson demonstrates the pervasiveness of heroine cults at every level of Athenian society.Larson reveals that a broad range of heroic cults existed throughout the Greek world, encompassing not only individuals but couples (Pelops and Hippodameia, Alexandra and Agamemnon, Helen and Menelaos) and families such as those of Asklepios and the Dioskouroi. She shows how heroic cults reinforced the Greeks' gender expectations for both women and men through ritual status, iconography, and narrative motifs. Finally, Larson looks at the intersection of heroine cults with specific topics such as myths of maiden sacrifice, the Amazons, the role of the goddess Artemis, and folk beliefs about female "ghosts."
Editorials
From the Publisher
"Greek Heroine Cults addresses a vital aspect of ancient Greek religion in particular and civilization in general, that is, the practice of worshipping heroes, both male and female. As Larson shows clearly, the female aspect of this practice has not received the scholarly attention that it demands, and this book fills that need."—Gregory Nagy, Harvard University“A great service to the world of Classical scholarship.”—Gregory Nagy, Harvard University
Booknews
Demonstrates how heroine cults were present at every organizational level of society in ancient Greece, and how heroines had a secondary status to their male counterparts in the ritual calendars and iconography. Assembles epigraphic evidence; iconographic evidence from votive reliefs and terracottas; and the testimony of Pausanias, Strabo, Plutarch, and other classical scholars to discuss heroines in the heroic family and in husband and wife relationships, independent heroines, and their wrongful death. Paper edition (unseen), $17.95. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)Book Details
Published
February 28, 1995
Publisher
University of Wisconsin Press
Pages
192
Format
Paperback
ISBN
9780299143749