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Nikolaos
Site Admin
Joined: 26 Jun 2007
Posts: 69
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 Posted: Sun Oct 11, 2009 2:56 pm Post subject: Musings on Sparta's Muses |
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Our new member of the Editorial Board, Mr Owen Rees presents with a very interesting paper entitled 'Musings on Sparta's Muses'. The Abstract follows:
| Quote: | The Muses were, to the Graeco-Roman world, the source of artistic expression; inspiring songs and dances to go beyond the human realm and enter that of the gods. Even today, the word ‘muse’ is used to describe an artist’s inspiration and creative source. So, in an existence of emotional expression, sensitive creation and personal exploration, what place did the Muses have in the warrior culture of Sparta? What did their kings hope to achieve by, say, sacrificing to them before battle (Plutarch, Life of Lycurgus, 21)? Many ancient authors have given very short opinions on this topic, many modern scholars have considered it of little importance; however, with the growth of our understanding about the nature of combat, and with the use of comparative examples discussing the universal issues of battle, I believe a new understanding can begin to emerge.
Ultimately this is a question of whether there was room for creativity, in a culture that famously tried to curb individuality? but if so how?
The Muses may well be the key. |
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