Myth

"Myth is a traditional tale with secondary, partial reference to something of collective importance."
     -Walter Burkert

Two (of many) functions of myth:

1) Aetiological

• < Greek aitia, "reason"
• Explain origin of custom, institution

• Exemplify values = how (not) to behave.
• Express/mediate cultural tensions.

1) Heracles (= Hercules)

• Greek monster-slaying hero
• Kills giant Cacus at future site of Rome
• > Rites at temple of Hercules

• Fugitive Trojan prince
• Arrives in C. Italy
• Conflict with natives (Latins)
• Marries daughter of King Latinus

3) Romulus

                            Numitor          Amulius

       MARS = Ilia/Rhea Silvia

    Romulus      Remus
 

• Exposure of Romulus & Remus
• She-wolf as nurse
• Founding of Rome
• Romulus kills Remus

1) Romulus
o Founds Rome
o Establishes city as asylum
o Rape of Sabine Women
o Becomes god Quirinus (or murdered?)

2) Numa
o Sabine by birth
o Institutes rituals, cults, calendar etc.

3) Tullus Hostilius
o Warrior king
o Conquers town of Alba Longa

4) Ancus Martius
o Founds various institutions, customs
---
Etruscan Kings (historical?)

5) Tarquinius Priscus
6) Servius Tullius
7) Tarquinius Superbus ("T. the Proud")

Exemplary History (NB: all dates traditional only)

Bravery

• Horatius at the Bridge (506)

• Brutus & his sons (507)
• C. Mucius Scaevola (506)
• M. Curtius (362) > Lacus Curtius
• Devotio of P. Decius Mus (340)
• M. Atilius Regulus (255)

• Cincinnatus (458)

• Tarpeia (c. 750)
• Lucretia (509)
• Claudia Quinta (204)

• Horatii and Curiatii (c. 670)
• Coriolanus (491)