Aristomenes of Messene: Legends of Sparta’s Nemesis

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Description

Aristomenes used to be the legendary hero of the Messenian wars who led resistence against Sparta and yet, regardless of a full account of his heroic deeds by Pausanias, is now almost forgotten. This detailed study, which is in line with a close reading of Pausanias and other sources, seeks to reinstate Aristomenes to his rightful place in ancient legend in addition to reaffirm the importance of his story for Messenian history. After a discussion of Pausanias’ sources and his use of them, Daniel Ogden looks at what form of hero Aristomenes used to be, finding him to have had a comic and on occasion ludicrous side. Aristomenes’ heroic regalia, such as his magical shield, his frequent visits to the underworld, and the relation of his story to others from Messenia are also discussed in detail on this study which demonstrates the ways through which history, myth and literature fuse. Extensive Greek extracts are presented in the notes at the same time as the primary body of the text presents English translations.

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