Exploring the Influence of Zeus in Ancient Greek Culture and Festivals
Delve into the multifaceted spheres of influence of Zeus, the king of gods, in ancient Greek society. Discover the rituals, festivals, and myths associated with Zeus, shedding light on his roles in weather, war, kingship, and social institutions. Experience the intriguing narratives of Prometheus' trick, major Athenian festivals honoring Zeus, and the symbolic Bouphonia ritual. Uncover the historical significance of these traditions and their relevance in understanding ancient Greek beliefs and practices.
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Lecture 15 ZEUS
Spheres of Influence Zeus < *Dyau- ( bright ) Zeus Ombrios ( cloudy ) Zeus Kataibat s ( Who Comes Down) aegis WEATHER WAR KINGSHIP Zeus and Moirai Zeus Polios (City) Zeus Horkios (Oaths) Zeus Hikesios (Suppliant) Zeus Xenios (Stranger) father of gods and men SOCIAL INSTITUTIONS SEXUAL POTENCY
Prometheus Trick at Mycone SPECIES FOOD PREPARATION LONGEVITY animal raw meat short lived human cooked meat longer lived divinity incinerated meat (smoke) immortal thigh bones, fat, entrails DEITY victim meat, viscera MORTAL
Major Athenian Festivals of Zeus Bouphonia Maimakteria Pompaia Diasia Ox Murder Blustering Procession Festival of Zeus May-June October-November October-November January-February
Bouphonia 14 Skirophorion (May-June) MYTHEME Kingship of Erechtheus ox eats cake meant for Zeus ox killed by Thaulon, who flees, leaving ax oracular consultation : eat ox; repeat annually ox stuffed, later returns to life
Bouphonia 14 Skirophorion (May-June) RITUAL grain and cakes placed on table-altar at temple of Zeus Polios oxen driven around table first ox that eats, sacrificed with double-ax (pelekus) or knife wielded by bouphonos (ox-killer) bouphonos member of Thaulonidai clan bouphonos drops ax/knife and runs away comedy of innocence ax/knife tried, cursed, condemned, thrown into sea hide of dead ox stuffed
DIASIA 23 Anthesterion (January-February) celebrated outside city walls (Ilissos River) rural/urban participation bloodless theriomorphic holocaust offerings to Zeus Meilikhios wineless cho purificatory rituals related to miasma from kindred bloodshed ram sacrifice; fleece preserved (used in Pompaia?) major feast involvement of children
Themes in Major Athenian Festivals of Zeus Bouphonia Maimakteria Pompaia Diasia Ox Murder Blustering Procession Festival of Zeus May-June October-November October-November January-February bloodless vs. animal sacrifices violent death of victim (ox, ram) later reappearance of victim (stuffed ox, magic fleece) atonement for kindred blood chthonic connections (heroes) fertility and growth of children
