The Personae of Dionysos: Achilles, Alexander, and Christ in Nonnos' Dionysiaca Pubblico
Parkinson, Christopher David (2014)
Abstract
This thesis examines the characterization of Dionysos in Nonnos' epic, the Dionysiaca. Specifically it analyzes the protean characteristics of Dionysos and how Nonnos represents him using imitations of and allusions to other classical figures from literature (particularly the Achilles of Homer's Iliad), from history (Alexander the Great), and from religion (Jesus Christ). The purpose of these comparisons is to demonstrate the tendency in Nonnos to show an overarching unity between different traditions, and how the Dionysos he writes about is a manifestation of this concept.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Introduction 1
Chapter I: The Rebirth of Dionysos as a Homeric Hero 4
I. Introduction 4
II.A General Overview of Links between Homer and Nonnos 5
III. Invoking Homer and Introducing Dionysos 8
IV. Common Beginnings and Youths of Achilles and Dionysos 11
V. Dionysos and Ampelos 13
VI. Funeral Games 15
A. Ampelos 15
B. Staphylos 21
C. Opheltes 22
VII. Dionysos's Catalog of Armies 26
VIII. Divine Messenger: The Use of Iris 27
IX. Arming Scenes from Homer to Nonnos 28
X.The Shield of Dionysos 29
XI. Warfare in the Dionysiaca 30
XII. Lycurgus 34
XIII. Aiacos: The Hidden Connection 35
XIV. Glory, Homecoming, and Godhood 37
Chapter II: Dionysos and Alexander 40
I. Introduction 40
II. Nonnos and Alexander 40
III. Dionysos, Alexander, and Achilles 41
A. Heroic Funerals 42
B. Mentors and Nursemaids 42
C. Layers of Imitation 43
IV. The Indian War 44
A. The Primacy of the Indian Expedition 44
B. Alexander in India as an Impetus for Stories about Dionysos 46
C. The Catalog of Indians 47
D. Tactics and the Battle of the Hydaspes 48
V. Dionysos and Alexander: Generals, Conquerors, Administrators 50
A. Dionysos the General 51
B. Dionysos the Administrator 51
VI. The Divine Birth Stories of Dionysos and Alexander 53
VII. Dionysos's Cult in India 55
A. Dionysiansism: an Import or an Export? 55
B. Dionysos as an Indian God and Alexander as his Son 56
VIII. Dionysos and Alexander as Heirs Coming Home 57
A. The Odyssean Nostos 57
B. The Inheritance of Thebes 58
IX. Dionysos and Alexander as Saviors 59
A. Icarios 61
B. Staphylos 62
C. The Rejection of Pentheus and Lycurgus 63
X.The Liminality of Dionysos and Alexander: Foreign yet Native 64
Chapter III: Dionysos and Christ 68
I. Introduction 68
II. Nonnos: Christian and Pagan 69
III.A God by Any Other Name 70
IV. Established Connections between Christ and Dionysos 70
V. Heavenly Kingdoms 71
VI. The Lamb and the Bull: Love and Sacrifice 72
VII. Wine: Blood and Enthusiasm 73
VIII. Death and Rebirth 75
IX. Staphylos and Lazarus 75
X. Christ and Dionysos: Healers and Conquerors of Faith 76
XI. Conclusion: The Rebirth of the God 78
Bibliography 80
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