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Word-Play in the Sibylline Oracles

Speaker: Helen Van Noorden (Cambridge/AIAS)

Info about event

Time

Friday 1 October 2021,  at 15:01 - 16:00

Location

Antikmuseet, Victor Albecks Vej 3, 8000 Aarhus C

Organizer

The Research program for Classical Studies

The hybrid cultural weave of the Sibylline Oracles is one of the most arresting aspects of a collection which preserves Judaeo-Christian compositions in Greek ranging from c. 2nd century BCE to the 7th century CE. Reviewing world history in the form of prophecy and urging ethical behaviour, these hexameter oracles attributed to an ancient Sibyl combine Classical and Biblical traditions.
This paper focuses on Sibylline etymologising as an element that foregrounds both the substantial legacy of Hesiod and didactic traditions pervading this collection, and the peculiarly Sibylline blending of oral and written transmission of wisdom.

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