DOI Seite / Zitierlink:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.7897#0106
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remains became an object of political as well as religious importance, which
was obtained by force or by artifice. Among various instances of a similar
superstition, we find that the body of OEdipus was held, at one time, in great
veneration by the Athenians; and to establish their claim to the possession of
this important relic, Sophocles composed his OEdipus Coloneus.
In this truly affecting piece (10), OEdipus is represented as having taken re-
fuge at Athens, and been hospitably received. Warned by the gods of his ap-
proaching end, he retires to a secluded spot, permitting Theseus alone to
accompany him. Before he expires, he makes known to that hero the oracle
of Apollo, which declared the importance of his remains to the future pros-
perity of Athens. He enjoins the necessity of concealing the place of their inter-
ment; and that the secret kept during life, by Theseus alone, should at his
death only, be revealed by him to his successor, who should transmit it in like
manner to future generations.
This story, evidently fabulous, was invented or produced by Sophocles, to
flatter the vanity of the Athenians, but particularly to gratify the inhabitants
of Colonos Hippios, the demos or borough of the poet. Homer (n), whose tes-
timony is always most deserving of credit, says, that OEdipus died at Thebes,
where his obsequies were celebrated by magnificent games. Pausanias (12) is of
the same opinion; and supposes that the body of OEdipus was brought from
Thebes to Athens, where his tomb was seen in the sacred precincts of the
temple of the Furies. At what time, and under what circumstances this event
took place, we are not told; but it may be conjectured, with great probability,
that it was in consequence of some oracle obtained by those who directed pu-
blic affairs at Athens, at a time when they were at variance with the Thebans,
in order to inspire the people with confidence and a belief in supernatural as-
sistance. The Lacedaemonians, engaged in war with the Tegaeans (13), invented a
similar fable respecting the body of Orestes : and the Orchomenians (i4)> m a
moment of danger, were advised by an oracle, to obtain possession of the
remains of Hesiod.
The venerable patriarch of Greek literature, Dr. Coray (i5), is of opinion
(10) Vers \^m,seqq. (,4) Plutarch, Symp. 7 Sess.
(11) Iliad, xxiii, vers 679. (,5) Melanges de Critique et de Philologie,
(12) Attica, cap. 28. par J. Chardon de la Rochette, Paris 1812,
(13) Pausan. lib. in, cap. 3; lib. vni, cap. 5/j. torn. 11, page 445.
remains became an object of political as well as religious importance, which
was obtained by force or by artifice. Among various instances of a similar
superstition, we find that the body of OEdipus was held, at one time, in great
veneration by the Athenians; and to establish their claim to the possession of
this important relic, Sophocles composed his OEdipus Coloneus.
In this truly affecting piece (10), OEdipus is represented as having taken re-
fuge at Athens, and been hospitably received. Warned by the gods of his ap-
proaching end, he retires to a secluded spot, permitting Theseus alone to
accompany him. Before he expires, he makes known to that hero the oracle
of Apollo, which declared the importance of his remains to the future pros-
perity of Athens. He enjoins the necessity of concealing the place of their inter-
ment; and that the secret kept during life, by Theseus alone, should at his
death only, be revealed by him to his successor, who should transmit it in like
manner to future generations.
This story, evidently fabulous, was invented or produced by Sophocles, to
flatter the vanity of the Athenians, but particularly to gratify the inhabitants
of Colonos Hippios, the demos or borough of the poet. Homer (n), whose tes-
timony is always most deserving of credit, says, that OEdipus died at Thebes,
where his obsequies were celebrated by magnificent games. Pausanias (12) is of
the same opinion; and supposes that the body of OEdipus was brought from
Thebes to Athens, where his tomb was seen in the sacred precincts of the
temple of the Furies. At what time, and under what circumstances this event
took place, we are not told; but it may be conjectured, with great probability,
that it was in consequence of some oracle obtained by those who directed pu-
blic affairs at Athens, at a time when they were at variance with the Thebans,
in order to inspire the people with confidence and a belief in supernatural as-
sistance. The Lacedaemonians, engaged in war with the Tegaeans (13), invented a
similar fable respecting the body of Orestes : and the Orchomenians (i4)> m a
moment of danger, were advised by an oracle, to obtain possession of the
remains of Hesiod.
The venerable patriarch of Greek literature, Dr. Coray (i5), is of opinion
(10) Vers \^m,seqq. (,4) Plutarch, Symp. 7 Sess.
(11) Iliad, xxiii, vers 679. (,5) Melanges de Critique et de Philologie,
(12) Attica, cap. 28. par J. Chardon de la Rochette, Paris 1812,
(13) Pausan. lib. in, cap. 3; lib. vni, cap. 5/j. torn. 11, page 445.