Da Telemaco a Oreste. Norme e trasgressioni rituali nell’Elettra di Euripide

Abstract

The relationship between rituals and tragedies can be approached in multiple directions and to varying degrees of complexity. Taking Euripides' Electra as a starting point, the aim is to illustrate how Athenian theatre offers spectators a reflection on the symbolic and sociopolitical values that can be found in the staging of transgressive forms of sacred rituals, in particular sacrificial rituals, or deeply rooted social rules such as hospitality (xenia). The comparison between the ritual alterations in Euripides' drama and the corresponding ideal rules set in the Homeric epos suggested to the theatre audience a reflection on the irreversible conflict between ancient 'simplicity' and the perversions produced by war.