Lexis Poetica, retorica e comunicazione nella tradizione classica

Journal | Lexis
Journal issue | Num. 42 (n.s.) – Giugno 2024 – Fasc. 1
Research Article | On Crimes and Punishments of a Matricide

On Crimes and Punishments of a Matricide

Oreste Between φόνος ἑκούσιος and φόνος δίκαιος

Abstract

In this paper I analyse some different mythical narratives about the trial of Orestes after the matricide. Aeschylus’ Eumenides (458 B.C.E.) have canonised a single version of the myth, based on the judgement at the Areopagus Council and on the hero’s acquittal through Athena’s vote. As a matter of fact, other versions exist in and outside of Athens about the hero on trial (i.e. Eur. Or., El.; Theodectes Phas. fr. 5 Snell; Dem. 23.74), which reveal alternative assessments of Orestes’ vengeance act.


Open access | Peer reviewed

Submitted: Sept. 2, 2023 | Accepted: Jan. 27, 2024 | Published July 3, 2024 | Language: it

Keywords φόνος ἐκ προνοίαςφόνος δίκαιοςTheodectes PhaselisAreopagusAeschylusAthensTrialOrestesDemosthenes


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