In my lecture I will first consider the episode with Danae and Perseus’ coming of age at Seriphos in the light of ancient rites of initiation. Then I will focus on the killing of Medusa and the rescue of Andromeda in the light of contacts between Greece and the Orient. Finally, I will discuss Perseus’ return to Mycenae and this local cult in the light of modern dicussions of narrative and ritual, of the local and the global in the myth. The lecture will be illustrated with many ancient and modern pictures.
Jan Bremmer is Emeritus Professor of Science of Religion and Comparative Religious Studies at the University of Groningen.
The event is open to the public, and all interested parties are cordially invited to attend. A Zoom link will be provided via the Classics Seminar mailing list. If you would like to subscribe to the list (or present at the seminar), please get in touch with Tor Ivar Østmoe. Following the presentation, we will gather at Café Eckers for drinks and further informal discussions. Everyone is welcome to join (please note that expenses are not covered by the seminar).