Hybrid monsters in the Classical World : the nature and function of hybrid monsters in Greek mythology, literature and art

[摘要] ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The aim of this thesis is to explore the purpose of monster figures by investigating the relationshipbetween these creatures and the cultures in which they are generated. It focuses specifically on thehuman-animal hybrid monsters in the mythology, literature and art of ancient Greece. It attempts toanswer the question of the purpose of these monsters by looking specifically at the nature of manhorsemonsters and the ways in which their dichotomous internal and external compositionchallenged the cultural taxonomy of ancient Greece. It also looks at the function of monsters in aritual context and how the Theseus myth, as initiation myth, and the Minotaur, as hybrid monster,conforms to the expectations of ritual monsters.The investigation starts by considering the history and uses of the term 'monster in an attempt toarrive at a reasonable definition of monstrosity. In aid of this definition, attention is also given tothemes that recur when considering monster beings. This provides a basis from which the hybridmonsters of ancient Greece, the centaur and Minotaur in particular, can be considered.The next section of the thesis looks into the attitudes to animals prevalent in ancient Greece. Thecultural value of certain animal types and even certain body parts have to be taken account, and thedegree to which these can be traced to the nature and actions of the hybrid monster has to beconsidered.The main argument is divided in two sections. The first deals with the centaur as challenger toGreek cultural taxonomy. The centaur serves as an eminent example of how human-animal hybridmonsters combine the familiar and the foreign, the Self and the Other into a single complex being.The nature of this monster is examined with special reference to the ways in which the centaur, asproponent of chaos and wilderness, stands in juxtaposition to the ideals of Greek civilisation. Thesecond section consists of an enquiry into the purpose of the hybrid monster and considers theMinotaur's role as a facilitator of transformation. The focus is directed towards the ritual function ofmonsters and the ways in which monsters aid change and renewal both in individuals and incommunities. By considering the Theseus-myth and the role of the Minotaur in the coming-of-age ofthe Attic hero as well as the city of Athens itself, the ritual theory is given application in ancientGreece. The conclusion of this thesis is that hybrid monsters, as manifestations of the internal dichotomy ofman and the tenuous relationship between order and chaos, played a critical role in the personal andcommunal definition of man in ancient Greece.

[发布机构] Stellenbosch University