Pausanias Analysis

Passage 1.21.2

← 1.21.1 1.21.3 →

Passage 1.21.2: Dionysus inspires Aeschylus to compose tragedy

Mythic Skeptical

Greek Text

τὴν δὲ εἰκόνα τὴν Αἰσχύλου πολλῷ τε ὕστερον τῆς τελευτῆς δοκῶ ποιηθῆναι καὶ τῆς γραφῆς ἣ τὸ ἔργον ἔχει τὸ Μαραθῶνι. ἔφη δὲ Αἰσχύλος μειράκιον ὢν καθεύδειν ἐν ἀγρῷ φυλάσσων σταφυλάς, καί οἱ Διόνυσον ἐπιστάντα κελεῦσαι τραγῳδίαν ποιεῖν· ὡς δὲ ἦν ἡμέρα--- πείθεσθαι γὰρ ἐθέλειν---ῥᾷστα ἤδη πειρώμενος ποιεῖν.

English Translation

The portrait of Aeschylus, I believe, was made much later than his death and later than the painting showing the battle at Marathon. Aeschylus, it is said, while still a youth, fell asleep as he kept watch over grape clusters in a field. Dionysus appeared, standing beside him, and commanded him to compose tragedy. At daybreak—for Aeschylus was eager to obey—he immediately set about attempting to compose it.

Proper Nouns

Dionysus (Διόνυσος) deity
Aeschylus (Αἰσχύλος) person Q40939
Marathon (Μαραθών) place Q212150 Pleiades
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