Ritual Scenes in the Iliad: Rote, Hallowed, or Encrypted as Ancient Art?

• Issue: Volume 26, Number 1
• Author(s): Margo Kitts
• Article: View PDF | Download PDF
• Citation: http://journal.oraltradition.org/issues/26i/kitts

Abstract

Based in oral poetic and ritual theory, this article proposes that ritual scenes in Homer’s Iliad reflect unique compositional constraints beyond those found in other kinds of typical scenes. The focus is on oath-sacrifices and commensal sacrifices. Both ritual scene types exhibit strong identifying features, although they differ in their formal particulars and cultural implications. It is argued that both sorts of sacrificial scenes preserve especially ancient ritual patterns that may have parallels in Anatolian texts.