Prof. Gowing
Classics 401
18 February 2004
Abstract: Herodotus and
LivyÕs Treatment of Mythology
In this paper I will discuss Herodotus and LivyÕs approaches to the mythological background of their respective cultures, the effect of their treatments of ingrained mythical tropes, and how even their simple inclusion in these historiansÕ accounts lends credence and authority to mythological themes. The focus of this paper will be a myth of regime change and a myth of a notorious female figure from each text: the Lucretia and Ascension of Romulus episodes in Livy, and the Helen in Egypt and Gyges episodes in Herodotus.
Throughout
both HerodotusÕ Historia and
LivyÕs Ab Urbe Condita each author
includes references to or extended treatments of foundation, succession, and
archetypal myths. In some
instances, such as HerodotusÕ approach to the myth of Helen of TroyÕs arrival
in the court of Proteus in Egypt and LivyÕs repeated references to alternate accounts
of the birth and death of RomeÕs founder, the author deconstructs the myth and
presents events in such a way as to be deemed reasonable and plausible by the
reader. On other occasions, such
as HerodotusÕ story of the ascension of Gyges and LivyÕs tale of Lucretia, the
authors present the myth plainly, committing to text a version of commonly
known folklore.
Relating
such stories in the context of reporting historical record gives the shared
memory of mythology the credibility associated with factual account; the
inclusion in written history helps justify the traditional belief system. The deconstruction of the Helen
and Romulus episodes, while offering slight suspicion of particulars, only
serves to reinforce the memory of mythic past via those details and themes
included without question. Livy
and HerodotusÕ inclusion of mythological stories as historical events allows
them to provide exempla from both historical figures and existing mythological
archetypes. Herodotus is able to
make mythological themes of honor, dishonor, hospitality, feminine decorum, and
the foolishness of complacency into some of the Ò=exivthlaÓ
deeds his inquiry is attempting to preserve. Livy validates the Roman ideal of female virtue and the
divine preeminence of Rome itself.