ОБРАЗ ЕЛЕНЫ В «ГЕРОИДАХ» ОВИДИЯ
THE IMAGE OF HELEN IN OVID’S HEROIDES

Summary/Abstract: Ovid remains one of the most popular and sought-after ancient authors in our time. The collection of elegies Heroides is the least studied, despite its significant role: it is a transitional work from love elegies (Ars Amatoria) to mythological poetry (Metamorphoses), which allows us to discuss new poetic principles being developed by the author. The aim of the research is to determine whether Ovid introduced new features into Helen of Troy’s image, formed centuries earlier, or merely followed classical traditions. The study employs comparative, cultural-historical, historical-typological, and mythopoetic research methods. Particular attention is paid to the epistles “Oenone to Paris”, “Hermione to Orestes”, “Paris to Helen”, “Helen to Paris”, and “Penelope to Ulysses”. The conducted analysis of the epistles has led to the conclusion that alongside the classical representation of Helen, formed by the Trojan Cycle and Homeric epic, Ovid provided his heroine with features characteristic of the Augustan era. Helen is presented both as a matron ready to yield to temptations in her husband’s absence, and as a mother indifferent to her child. Ovid was one of the few who addressed Helen’s motherhood, depicting this social role in the epistle of her daughter Hermione.

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