Pausanias Analysis

Passage 4.1.9

← 4.1.8 4.2.1 →

Passage 4.1.9: Ancient rites established at Andania by Messene and Polycaon

Mythic Non-skeptical

Greek Text

τοῦτο τὸ ἐπίγραμμα δηλοῖ μὲν ὡς παρὰ τὴν Μεσσήνην ἀφίκοιτο ὁ Καύκων ἀπόγονος ὢν Φλύου, δηλοῖ δὲ καὶ τὰ ἐς τὸν Λύκον τά τε ἄλλα καὶ ὡς ἡ τελετὴ τὸ ἀρχαῖον ἦν ἐν Ἀνδανίᾳ. καί μοι καὶ τοῦτο εἰκὸς ἐφαίνετο, τὴν Μεσσήνην μὴ ἑτέρωθι, ἀλλὰ ἔνθα αὐτή τε καὶ Πολυκάων ᾤκουν, καταστήσασθαι τὴν τελετήν.

English Translation

This inscription makes clear that Caucon came to Messene, being a descendant of Phlyus. It also reveals other details concerning Lycus, and in particular that the ancient rites were originally established at Andania. To me it also appeared reasonable that Messene established these rites not elsewhere, but precisely where she herself and Polycaon had their dwelling.

Proper Nouns

Caucon (Καύκων) person
Lykos (Λύκος) person
Polycaon (Πολυκάων) person
Phlyos (Φλύος) person
Messene (Μεσσήνη) place Q1022117
Andania (Ἀνδανία) place Q2537068 Pleiades
← 4.1.8 4.2.1 →