A. M. Malomud The interpretation of Αἰνελένη в Nic. Ther. 310 (pp. 624–627)

Author

A. M. Malomud (Lomonosov Moscow State University)

Pages\n 624–627

Summary\n

The article deals with interpretations of Αἰνελένη – a compound name for Helen which occurs in vv. 309–19 of Theriaca by Nicander. It is commonly explained as “dire Helen” basing on the Homeric usage of compounds with the first element αἰνo- (from αἰνός), and referring to the traditional evaluation of the heroine (Helen caused the Troian war, therefore she is a dire woman). This interpretation, however, contradicts the context of the whole passage: furious Helen hurting the snake has nothing to do with Helen who brought disaster upon Achaeans. It is suggested in the paper that another interpretation of Αἰνελένη is possible. Though this new interpretation does not exclude the above-mentioned one, it corresponds better with the situation described by Nicander. Following the etymology proposed by Aeschylus, Nicander may have treated Ἑλένη as a derived form from the root ἑλ- (αἱρέω “destroy”), while the word αἰνός twice applied to Python in hymns of Callimachus could have been recognized as an elliptical term for snakes. Thus, Αἰνελένη could mean “destroyer of dire creatures (i.e. snakes)”.

Keywords\n

Helen, Nicander of Colophon, Theriaca, snakes, Homer, Callimachus.

References\n

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Author Yu. B. Mantova Affiliation The Institute for Advanced Studies in Humanities (IASH), Russian State University for the Humanities Title A Rapid River on the Byzantine Saint’s Way: Literary Implementation of Hagiographical Topos Pages 628–634

Summary\n

The paper deals with a topos of miraculous river crossing in mid-Byzantine hagiography. T. Pratsch’s fundamental and important research on the hagiographical topoiis focused on generalizing the similarities to construct a typological system, which is stable and constant. However, an analysis on the differences in applying the same motif seems to be quite fruitful as well. It reveals that the writers did not tend to mirror the Bible miracles in their initial form, but tried to diversify them according to their individual attitudes and impressions. It is argued that the deviations and diversification of traditional miracles could serve as an additional source to attract and entertain the reader. Keywords hagiography, Byzantium, miracle, crossing river, topos, saint.

References\n

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