Summary:
My M.A. Thesis, which is entitled “Oedipus in Sophocles (O.T. and O.K.): Ideology, Politics and Cults”, deals with the various -ideological, political, religious and ritual/ cult- connotations, as aroused by both the Sophoclean tragedies about Oedipus’ myth (OT. and O.K.).
Initially, I examine the elements that constitute the hero’s body in the pre-Sophoclean mythological and literary tradition. My aim is to demonstrate the Sophoclean character of the Oedipus’ myth and of what is called the male suffering tragic oedipoean body.
In addition, I propose that the characteristics of Oedipus as a lord-father-savior of the people of Thebes, as aroused in the O.T., show the fragile character of his political and administrative power in the city of Thebes.
Moreover, I argue that the polluted by the miasma tragic hero, the master of city who pains (in legs, mind and eyes), is a parallel of the suffering city and the suffering state, as the condition of lameness extending to a metaphorical, allegorical and symbolic level may show the inability to exercise political power or/ and the non-authenticity of family bonds.
Finally, I examine the religious and ritual/ cult connotations of the holding of the sacred oedipoean relic. My interpretation is based on the body dynamics in the O.C., as well as the relevant traditions of bones’ transfer in general, and of the bones of Oedipus and Theseus in particular, on which the worship of these two heroes in Attica is also established. This tradition in the case of Oedipus may demonstrate, both ideologically and politically, the intertemporal claim of Athenian domination over the land of Thebes and Boeotia.
Keywords:
Oedipus, Sophocles, Ideology, Politics, Cults, Athens, Tragedy
