A reiteration of the "original myth" question. -- Mimetic Theory and Literary Study

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Date Posted: 14:50:05 03/09/08 Sun
Author: JD Reed
Subject: A reiteration of the "original myth" question.

While reading the Bacchae, I raised the question of the Dionysus myth being a continuation of the story in the Zeus myth and thus anothe retelling of its original story. I believe that the same type of occurence is present in Oedipus Rex: the relationship between Oedipus and Apollo. We are told that Apollo is the god of light, prophecy, plague, healing, purification, justice, and of the flocks. Oedipus seems to showcase these qualities in his own way: he claims he is in the light when arguing with Tiresias, and eventually tears out his own eyes after really seeing the light (and simultaneously shedding light on the prophecies). In terms of prophecy, his whole life and his actions have been foretold by them and he also tells Tiresias that it would have taken the skill of a seer to solve the Sphinx's riddle. He brings plague, healing and purification to the community of Thebes. By being king and having his attitudes towards transgressors, he puts himself in a position to be an administrator of justice. A looser connection with flocks though is that he is saved by two shepherds-the one who is not in Laius' command even calls him "son" when he reveals Oedipus' origins to him. Finally, we know that Apollo is the god of the sun; there is one instance where Oedipus says "my sisters are the months, they have seen me rise and fall", this is just like the sun. I dont know if I am stretching this, but it seems to me that just as Dr. Jackson has hinted at the possibility of the tale of Pentheus being a sort of original for the Dionysus myth, I think that perhaps the tale of Oedipus could be a more unconscious tale that lends itself as the original to the existence of Apollo.

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