Gods, Religion and Its Criticism in the Greek Aesopic Fables
Gods, Religion and Its Criticism in the Greek Aesopic Fables
Author(s): Michał WojciechowskiSubject(s): Ancient World, Theology and Religion, History of Religion
Published by: Wydawnictwo Uniwersytetu Warmińsko-Mazurskiego w Olsztynie
Keywords: Aesop; ancient religion; Greek gods; criticism of religion; Greek mythology;
Summary/Abstract: About a hundred Greek fables from the Aesopic tradition contain direct or allegorical references to religion. These references were not sufficiently studied. As a whole, they represent an anonymous, popular approach to religion from the Hellenistic period, with some sources in the earlier times. They have some importance for the history of Greek religion. These fables may be divided into two groups. The first group presents gods and mythology, with the dominant role of Zeus, near to henotheism; other gods are not really important. The second group contains criticisms of religion, idolatry and misguided prayer (with Hermes as the butt of jokes).
Journal: Studia Warmińskie
- Issue Year: 60/2023
- Issue No: 60
- Page Range: 357-381
- Page Count: 25
- Language: English