Journal of Undergraduate Research
Keywords
orphic allusions, Horace Odes, poems, Orpheus, mythology
College
Humanities
Department
Comparative Arts and Letters
Abstract
In 23 B.C. Horace published three books of Odes. The longest of these poems, Odes 3.4, has been the object of much scholarly attention, largely because of its complexity. In approaching this closely-studied poem I have sought to examine a facet which has gone virtually untouched by the scholarly literature thus far: the poem’s allusions to the mythological figure Orpheus. A musician and poet of legendary power, Orpheus was able to control nature and even overpower death with his bewitching song. Though he is never explicitly mentioned in the text, a number of ideas and themes associated with Orpheus are strewn throughout the poem. I believe, therefore, that we may profitably read the poem with an eye to its Orphic undertones.
Recommended Citation
Shelley, David K. and Tortorelli, William
(2013)
"Orphic Allusions in Horace’s Odes 3.4,"
Journal of Undergraduate Research: Vol. 2013:
Iss.
1, Article 671.
Available at:
https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/jur/vol2013/iss1/671