Of the wretched comrades, I invoked each three times. A historical-anthropological analysis of Od. 9.60-66

  • Emanuele Garsia University of Pisa
Keywords: Odissey, funeral rite, funeral lamentation, Cicones, exegesis

Abstract

This work examines a particular funeral rite in the Odyssey to analyze its modalities and anomalies. Starting from the meaning of νόµος as law and custom, the study explores funeral rites in ancient Greece through various historical and regional phases. Examples of funeral customs and anthropological theories on the genesis of these rites will be analyzed. A short passage from the Odyssey (9.60-66) is examined, where a “condensed funeral rite” is found. After losing companions in battle with the Cicones, Odysseus flees with the survivors but does not proceed until the fallen have been invoked three times. The analysis focuses on the terms used (ἀῦσαι for lamentation, δειλῶν for the fate of the fallen, κίω referring to the ship) and the key moments of Greek funeral lamentation. Ancient commentaries on the passage are examined, including a citation in a scholion to Pindar (Pyth. 4.156-161). The conclusion demonstrates how the “condensed funeral rite” reflects a ritual form that was already obscure to ancient commentators, reserved for those who fell far from their homeland.

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Published
2025-06-02
How to Cite
Garsia, E. (2025). Of the wretched comrades, I invoked each three times. A historical-anthropological analysis of Od. 9.60-66. Rhesis. International Journal of Linguistics, Philology and Literature, 13-30. https://doi.org/10.13125/rhesis/6296