The Epyllium Telephi (P. Oxy. 214): A Reappraisal
Abstract
This article re-examines P. Oxy. 214, commonly known as Epyllium Telephi. It is a fragmentary hexametrical text first published in 1899 that has received limited scholarly attention. The recto narrates parts of the myth of Telephus and his son, Eurypylus, while the verso describes a perilous sea journey. This study provides an updated reading of the papyrus, the first complete English translation, a reassessment of its date, and a reconsideration of its genre and narrator. A detailed commentary addresses textual and literary issues.
Submitted: Feb. 4, 2025 | Accepted: June 6, 2025 | Published Dec. 17, 2025 | Language: en
Keywords Papyrological fragments • Hexametrical poetry • Epica adespota • Epic fragments • Epyllium Telephi
Copyright © 2025 Martina Delucchi. This is an open-access work distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY). The use, distribution or reproduction is permitted, provided that the original author(s) and the copyright owner(s) are credited and that the original publication is cited, in accordance with accepted academic practice. The license allows for commercial use. No use, distribution or reproduction is permitted which does not comply with these terms.
Permalink http://doi.org/10.30687/Lexis/2724-1564/2025/02/003